EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM & PRACTICE IN JAPAN

28	“II Japanese Educational Administration and Finance”	Previous	Next	JAPANESE

	The Law concerning Local Authority and the Law on Organization and Management of Local Educational Administration, were revised on the basis of the Law concerning the Advancement of Regional Devolution enacted in 1999. These laws prescribe the relationship between the state Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and boards of education. In the regulations of the Law concerning Local Authority, the Minister of MEXT has the authority over technical advice, requests for submission of materials, requests for revisions, instructions, advice, assistance, and coordination of the autonomous administration of boards of education. Regarding administration of the prefectures, whereas previously revisions were issued directly in response to requests, now the situation has changed to a system of instructions re setting criteria for administrative management. Under the Law concerned with the Advancement of Regional Devolution, the Minister of MEXT has authority to instruct, advise, counsel, plan, assist, subsidize, and investigate local boards of education.