Japan has a basic policy on promotion of culture and the arts that is the product of hearings by a subcommittee of the Council for Cultural Affairs, which advises the minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. On August 3, the subcommittee released an interim report in preparation for the latest revision of the national policy on culture and the arts, according to a process that occurs at five-year intervals. The subcommittee is inviting public comment on the report as input for its final report, now in preparation, that will set official policy for the next five years.

(1)

Basic aims of the current policy (Second Basic Policy on Promotion of Culture and the Arts)

1.

Incorporation of cultural and artistic promotion as a fundamental part of national policy

2.

Promotion of culture and art that embodies regional characteristics

3.

Providing for an environment supportive of culture and arts through coordinated efforts at the national, local and private levels

(2)

Important items for the next five years (2007-2012)

1.

Development of human resources to carry on tradition in Japan's arts and development in Japanese cultural and artistic fields.

2.

Dissemination of Japanese culture to other countries and promotion of cultural exchanges with other countries

3.

Improvement of opportunities for children's cultural and artistic activities

4.

Promotion of local cultural development

5.

Strategically applied assistance to creative cultural and artistic activities