Japan is currently undertaking reforms in school education, and the new National Curriculum Standards (implemented from 2020 to 2022) aims for the teaching of English to be mandatory from third grade at elementary schools.
In terms of EdTech, the GIGA (Global and Innovation Gateway for All) School Program has been established by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and this will support municipalities to advance ICT environments and implement cutting-edge technology for education. MEXT reported in March 2021, that 98% of municipalities had provided a device to each student and rolled out high-speed internet in schools.
In light of these major policies, the Department for International Trade (DIT) Japan will host our first online education business showcase (a webinar, with simultaneous interpretation) for selected UK providers. This event will provide UK education providers with an opportunity to demonstrate their products & services and will also raise the profile, awareness and interest in UK education with Japanese stakeholders. The event may be split into two separate sessions, guided by the streams of education represented at the event.
1-2-1 meetings: There will also be an opportunity for UK providers to engage in 1-2-1s with local stakeholders, and prior to the webinar, a UK delegate brochure will be circulated to Japanese companies. On their registration, Japanese participants will have the option of requesting specific meetings with the UK participants. DIT Japan will facilitate introductions before handing over to the interested parties to arrange a slot. Please note that DIT are not able to guarantee the number of these meetings for the UK participants.
If you are interested in attending this event, please submit your application via the link below by 13th May. There is a selection process and applicants will be advised by 21 May.*
Dates: 21st and 22nd June, 2021
Time: 8:30 – 9:45 UK Time
Location: Zoom
Participation Fee: Free (unless UK delegates wish to use an interpreter for any 1-2-1 meetings that they arrange)
Number of UK providers: 15, with a maximum of x2 representatives per provider
Enquiry: noriko.oda@fcdo.gov.uk
