On March 8, 2023, the Central Council for Education compiled the report regarding the Next Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education (Central Council for Education No. 241) at its 134th general meeting.

The plan is based on Article 17, Paragraph 1 of the Basic Act on Education (2006 Act No. 120), which states that "in order to facilitate the comprehensive and systematic implementation of policies that promote education, the government shall formulate a basic plan covering certain basic principles, measures that must be taken, and other necessary particulars in its policies to promote education, which shall be reported to the Diet as well as to the general public." In line with this plan, each local government must make efforts to set out its basic plan for the promotion of education.

For the Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education, the first plan (2008-2012) was formulated in July 2008, followed by the second plan (2013-2017), the third plan (2018-2022), and now the fourth plan.

The current plan sets out the following five basic directions for educational policy:
1. Development of human resources who continue learning for the sustainable development of a globalized society.
2. Promotion of education towards the realization of an inclusive society where no one will be left behind and which draws out the potential of all people.
3. Promotion of education towards realizing a society where people learn together and support each other at home and in the community.
4. Promotion of digital transformation (DX) in education
5. Improvement of the educational structure and dialogue to ensure the effectiveness of the plan.

The plan also sets forth the following 16 targets for educational policy over the next five years:
Target 1: Fostering solid academic skills, broad knowledge and capability, professional and vocational competence
Target 2: Fostering a rich mentality.
Target 3: Fostering a healthy body and mind through sports.
Target 4: Fostering human resources for the global society
Target 5: Fostering human resources responsible for innovation
Target 6: Fostering an attitude of proactive engagement in the formation of society and normative awareness
Target 7: Responding to diverse educational needs and social inclusion
Target 8: Creating an environment in which people can learn and play an active role throughout their lives
Target 9: Improvement of local educational capacity by promoting cooperation and partnership among schools, families, and communities
Target 10: Promotion of social education supporting the foundations of local communities
Target 11: Promotion of educational DX and the development of human resources with digital skills
Target 12: Improvement of the guidance system and ICT environment, as well as strengthening of the education and research infrastructure
Target 13: Securing quality learning regardless of economic and geographical conditions.
Target 14: Cooperation and partnership with NPOs, companies, and regional organizations
Target 15: Establishment of a safe, secure, high-quality education, and research environment, including the safety of students
Target 16: Development of plans and follow-up through dialogue with each stakeholder

In relation to children with disabilities, each target has a statement. In particular, "Target 7: Responding to diverse educational needs and social inclusion" sets forth the following, i.e., the promotion of special needs education, the promotion of lifelong learning for persons with disabilities, and the promotion of cultural and artistic activities among them.

For more information, see the website below:
https://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/chukyo/chukyo0/toushin/1412985_00005.htm