Since the change in government in 2009, the ruling Democratic Party of Japan has implemented legislation for improving the educational environment in line with the opinions of the people. Here are some of the DPJ’s achievements.

[Improved the education system to provide individualized support for each child]

In order to provide individualized support for each student, the DPJ ensured that each class in the first and second grade of elementary school had less than 35 students. Furthermore, virtually all of the elementary schools and junior high schools that have requested a school counselor now have one and are able to respond to the worries of each student.

[Secured the safety of children by accelerating anti-seismic reinforcement works for school buildings]

Children spend most of their day at school. This is also where the nearby residents gather in emergency situations. The DPJ has made proactive efforts to reinforce school buildings and reinforcements will have been carried out on 90% of schools by the end of 2012. The ratio was 67% at the time of the change in government. In addition, the Government has promoted measures for disaster prevention and performed maintenance work on aging parts of the buildings.

[Reduced the dropout rate in high schools]

The DPJ enacted legislation to make public high schools tuition-free and to provide financial assistance for students entering private high schools. These supports will gradually result in a significant reduction in the number of high school students who leave school for economic reasons. The DPJ will continue to foster an environment in which every high school student with a desire to learn is able to continue their education.

[Supported university students by expanding opportunities for financial assistance]

The DPJ government increased the ratio of tuition waivers in universities for the first time in 30 years, making 104,000 students eligible in fiscal 2012. Additionally, the Government enhanced the scholarship system, with the number of students eligible for scholarship loans increasing by 190,000 students (from 1.15 million in fiscal 2009 to about 1.34 million in fiscal 2012). Furthermore, 40,000 students are now eligible for interest-free scholarships (a 12% increase from fiscal 2009).