Japan Approves Digital Textbooks as Official Teaching Materials
Japan's parliament approved legislation Wednesday allowing digital textbooks to become official teaching materials rather than supplementary resources in public schools. The new law enables local education boards to choose between print, digital, or hybrid textbooks, with implementation expected to begin in April 2030 after government inspections. The shift aims to enhance learning through multimedia content while addressing health concerns through forthcoming usage guidelines.
Japan's House of Councilors enacted amendments to the school education law and related legislation, formally recognizing digital textbooks as eligible official materials for free distribution to students at public elementary, junior high, and high schools. Previously classified as supplementary materials, digital textbooks can now be adopted as primary teaching resources, with local education boards given authority to determine which format—print, digital, or hybrid—schools under their jurisdiction will use. Implementation is scheduled to begin in April 2030, following government inspections during fiscal 2028. The education ministry plans to develop usage guidelines by autumn at the earliest to address health concerns, particularly regarding potential eyesight deterioration from extended screen exposure, while capitalizing on the pedagogical benefits of video and audio-enhanced learning materials.
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- The Japan TimesCenter
Japan makes digital textbooks for schools official
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