Beyond the classroom: the evolving spectrum of ESD research in Japan

Abstract

PurposeEducation for Sustainable Development (ESD) has been robustly endorsed through policy mechanisms, prompting numerous context-specific voluntary initiatives in Japanese schools and communities. However, this field remains in its infancy. This study aimed to investigate the literature on ESD in Japan to reveal research trends, identify research gaps and propose areas for future research, from early childhood to higher and non-formal education.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a qualitative design with a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach to analyze 88 peer-reviewed empirical studies on ESD in Japan from 2005 to 2023.FindingsThis study has revealed an observable increase in the number of ESD-related publications, especially after 2015. Most studies emphasize formal education, particularly from elementary school to universities. These articles were categorized into seven thematic foci, with “Pedagogical Approaches and Material Development in ESD” being the most prevalent. There has been an evident shift in Japan from traditional lecture-style methods toward learner-centered ESD pedagogies. However, the country lags behind the global education community in terms of research on and the implementation of Teacher Education for Sustainable Development and the Whole-School Approach.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is confined to peer-reviewed, empirical publications in Japanese or English, potentially overlooking significant non-empirical works and studies in other languages. This limitation could mean missing out on broader insights and perspectives. Furthermore, as a qualitative analysis, there's an inherent risk of bias in interpreting data and categorizing themes. These constraints suggest caution in generalizing the findings and indicate areas for further research, such as expanding the linguistic and methodological scope and enhancing objectivity in analysis.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest a pressing need for Japan to refine its approach to ESD, particularly in teacher training and school management, aligning more closely with global practices. For practical application, this involves adopting more holistic teacher education programs and school management strategies that integrate ESD principles comprehensively. Recognizing the unique challenges of Japan's educational culture is crucial for developing tailored strategies that not only follow global best practices but also resonate locally. These insights aim to guide meaningful interventions, promoting an education system adept at addressing sustainability challenges.Originality/valueCategorizing the literature into formal and non-formal settings and subsequently into seven themes offers a clear depiction of the research trends. A comparison of Japan's specific advancements and challenges in ESD with global trends, particularly in pedagogy, teacher education and institutional management, highlights the areas needing further exploration.