Exemplary Social Studies Lessons in Japan: Pedagogy for Effective Citizenship Education

Abstract

In the broadest sense, citizenship education in Japan is conducted through the school education system. In the narrowest sense, however, it is conducted within the subject of Social Studies. According to the latest guidelines for teaching in elementary and secondary schools announced on March 28, 2008, the goals of Social Studies are (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, 2008, p.22) as follows: General goal of social studies in elementary schools: ‘To promote an understanding of social lifestyles, to deepen understanding and love towards the national land and history of our country, and to develop the basic civic qualities appropriate to the future builders of a democratic and peaceful state and society existing in the international community’. General goal of social studies in secondary schools: ‘Adopting a wide perspective, to deepen understanding and love towards the national land and history of our country through conducting multi-faceted and diverse examinations based on various resources and raising awareness of our society, nurture the basic education required of citizens, and develop the basic civic qualities appropriate to the future builders of a democratic and peaceful state and society existing in the international community’.