EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM & PRACTICE IN JAPAN

25	“III Japanese Social Education”	Previous	Next	JAPANESE

	Houses for Youths and Children’s Natural Houses are social education institutions for youths and children. The number established increased especially after the 1970’s. In terms of types of establishers, there are national institutions as well as public institutions established by local autonomous bodies (municipalities). Also, in terms types of functions, there are lodgings located in remote areas and non-lodging facilities located in daily-life areas. In 1959, the Central House for Youth was established in Gotenba, Shizuoka as the first national house for youth, and 13 have been established up to the present. The first national children’s natural house was opened in 1975 in Muroto, Kochi, as the Muroto Children’s Natural House. Currently there are 14 children’s natural houses nationwide. At first,the lodging-type houses for youths and children’s natural houses focused on group lodging training. However, today, they allow small groups and families to use the facilities. From the perspective of supporting lifelong learning, these houses strengthen and support opportunities for independent activities by users.