In the AI Era, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Proposes Revising High School Japanese Language Subject Structure to Focus on Literature

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

AI時代に文学の学びを 高校国語の科目構成を見直す案 文科省

2026年5月12日6:59

文部科学省

文部科学省は、高校の国語の科目構成を大幅に見直し、文学作品を重点的に学ぶ科目などを新設する案を示しました。AIやSNSが普及する中、対話する力や人間の感性を育むのが狙いです。

小中学校や高校の教育目標と内容を定めた学習指導要領はおおむね10年ごとに改訂されていて、中教審＝中央教育審議会は教科ごとの専門部会に分かれて検討を進めています。

11日、国語の専門部会が開かれ、これまでの高校生の課題として理系の生徒を中心に文学の学びが不足する一方で、AIやSNSの普及で対話する力や人間の感性を育む必要があるとして、科目構成を大幅に見直す案が示されました。

具体的には高校2年生以降の選択科目の中に小説などの文学作品や古典を重点的に学び感性を育む「言語文化II（2）」や論説文や批評文の読解、それにディベート方法を学ぶ「現代の国語II（2）」などを新たに設けるとしています。

また、さらに学習を深めたい生徒向けの科目として、「論説と批評」や「対話と表現」「文学と叙述」、「古典と文化」の4つを新設するとしています。

中教審は、専門部会での議論をことしの夏ごろまでに終えて今年度中に答申し、高校では2032年度以降に実施される予定です。

Translation

In the AI Era, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Proposes Revising High School Japanese Language Subject Structure to Focus on Literature

May 12, 2026, 6:59 AM

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology had proposed a major revision of the high school Japanese language subject structure, including the creation of new subjects that focus on the study of literary works. The aim was to cultivate communication skills and human sensitivity amidst the spread of AI and social media.

The curriculum guidelines, which defined the educational goals and content for elementary, junior high, and high schools, were revised approximately every 10 years. The Central Council for Education (CEC) conducted these revisions through specialized subcommittees for individual subject.

On the 11th the Japanese language subcommittee had a meeting, noting to date a challenge for high school students was the lack of literature education, particularly among science students. It presented a proposal to significantly revise the subject structure. In light of the spread of AI and social media there was a need to cultivate communication skills and human sensitivity,

Specifically, the plan proposed adding new elective subjects for second-year high school students and above, such as "Language and Culture II (2)," which would focus on studying literary works like novels and classical literature so as to cultivate sensitivity, and "Modern Japanese Language II (2)," which would teach the reading of expository essays and critical essays, as well as debating methods.

Furthermore, for students who wished to deepen their learning, four new subjects would be created: " Expository Essays and Critical Essays," "Dialogue and Expression," "Literature and Narrative," and "Classical Literature and Culture."

The Central Council for Education planned to complete discussions in its expert subcommittees by this summer and submit its recommendations within this fiscal year, with implementation in high schools scheduled for 2032 and beyond.

So, amidst the spread of AI and social media, Japan has proposed a major revision of the high school Japanese language subject structure. Specifically, they propose to increase studying time on the learning of literary works like novels and classical literature so as to cultivate human sensitivity, and also to teach expository essays and critical essays, as well as debating skills. Apparently, AI is affecting students’ face to face communication skills, among other things.

The Physical Society of Japan Introduced Software to Detect "AI-Written Papers"

 Recently NHK news on-line reported the following;

“AIで書かれた論文” を判定するソフト 日本物理学会が導入

2026年3月25日午後5時00分

生成AI・人工知能

海外の学術誌で、AIで書かれたとみられる粗悪な論文が投稿されるケースが問題になっています。これを受けて国立情報学研究所の研究チームが科学論文がAIで書かれていないかを判定するソフトを開発し、日本物理学会が25日から導入したことが分かりました。

日本物理学会が導入したのは国立情報学研究所の越前功教授の研究チームが開発した科学論文の執筆者が人間かAIかを判定するソフトです。

越前教授によりますと、海外の学術誌などで、AIで執筆されたとみられる不正確な内容が書かれるなどした粗悪な論文が多数投稿されるケースが確認されていて、問題になっています。

開発されたソフトには、人間やAIが書いた10万本以上の論文の特徴的な文章を学習させていて、英語の科学論文では、AIかどうかを90％以上の精度で判定できるということです。

さらに、人間らしい自然な文章に書き換える「ヒューマナイザー」と呼ばれる機能を使った場合でも、見分けることができるとしています。

日本物理学会では25日からこのソフトを導入し、学会が刊行している英語の学術誌に投稿された論文などを対象に、使用するということです。

日本物理学会では、文章の推こうや校正などでのAIの使用は認めていて、まずはソフトを使って、論文にどの程度AIが使われているか実態を把握することにしています。

日本物理学会の播磨尚朝理事は「判定ソフトの導入で、査読の効率化と、不正行為への抑止力になることを期待している」と話していました。

また、ソフトを開発した越前教授は「生成AIを使った学術論文の執筆は非常に脅威になってきている。査読に活用することで健全な学術の進展につなげてほしい」と話していました。

論文でAIを利用する際のルール

論文でのAIの利用はどこまで認められているのでしょうか。

国立情報学研究所などによりますと、日本では学術論文の執筆にAIを利用する際のルールについては、各大学や研究機関、投稿先の雑誌ごとの判断に委ねられているということです。

このうち日本物理学会では、文章の推こうや校正などでAIを補助的に利用している研究者は多いと考えていて、執筆者の責任のもとに、AIを利用すること自体は制限していないとしています。

ただ、

▽論文に掲載するデータや画像について、意図しないねつ造や盗用につながるおそれのあるAIの利用や

▽論文の大部分を生成AIで執筆するなどの補助の範囲を超えている利用は認めておらず、注意を呼びかけているということです。

またAIを利用した場合には、どのように使ったかを論文に明記することも推奨しています。

日本物理学会の林青司理事は「この数年でAIが関与したと思われる論文数が急増しているというデータも報告されているほか、ペーパーミルと呼ばれる粗悪な論文を不正に大量生産する問題も海外で指摘されています。私たちも、チェックしてきましたが、それだけで今の動向に対応できるかは不安もありますので、今回のような判定ソフトに期待しています」と話していました。

Translation

The Physical Society of Japan Introduced Software to Detect "AI-Written Papers"

March 25, 2026, 5:00 PM

Generative AI/Artificial Intelligence

The submission of poorly written papers seemingly written by AI to overseas academic journals had become a problem. In response, a research team at the National Institute of Informatics developed a software to determine whether scientific papers were written by AI, and the Physical Society of Japan (日本物理学会) brought in this on March 25th.

The software introduced by the Physical Society of Japan was developed by a research team led by Professor Isao Echizen (越前功) of the National Institute of Informatics to determine whether a scientific paper was written by a human or an AI.

According to Professor Echizen, numerous poorly written papers, including those containing inaccurate content seemingly written by AI, had been submitted to overseas academic journals, and that was posing a significant problem.

The developed software was trained on characteristic sentence patterns based on over 100,000 papers written by humans and AI, and could determine whether an English scientific paper was written by AI with over 90% accuracy.

Furthermore, the software could tell a text written using a function called a "humanizer" which rewrote text into more natural-sounding human-like language.

The Physical Society of Japan would introduce this software on the 25th and use it on papers submitted to its English-language academic journals.

The Physical Society of Japan allowed the use of AI in text editing and proofreading, and would initially use the software to understand the extent to which AI was being used in papers.

Naotomo Harimam (播磨尚朝), a director of the Physical Society of Japan stated "We hope that the introduction of this adjudication software will improve the efficiency of peer review and act as a deterrent against academic misconduct."

Professor Echizen, who developed the software also stated "The writing of academic papers using generative AI is becoming a serious threat. We hope that its use in peer review will contribute to the healthy advancement of academic research."

Rules for using AI in academic papers

To what extent the use of AI is permitted in academic papers?

According to the National Institute of Informatics and other sources, in Japan, the rules regarding the use of AI in writing academic papers were left to the discretion of induvial  university, research institution, and journal to which the paper was submitted.

The Physical Society of Japan believed that many researchers used AI to assist in tasks such as text revision and proofreading, and stated that it would not restrict the use of AI itself, as long as the author was responsible for its use.

However,

- regarding data and images to be included in academic papers, the usage of AI in ways that could lead to unintended fabrication or plagiarism, or

- the usage went beyond the scope of assistance, such as writing the majority of a paper using generative AI would not be permitted. They were urging caution in these regards.

They also recommended that if AI had been used, how it was used should be clearly stated in the paper.

Seiji Hayashi (林青司), a director of the Physical Society of Japan said "Data also shows that a sharp increase in the number of papers that appear to involve AI in recent years, and in overseas, the problem of paper milling, where low-quality papers are fraudulently mass-produced, has been pointed out. We have been performing checking, but we are concerned whether that alone would be sufficient to deal with the current trends, so we have high hope for adjudication software like this."

 So, the submission of poorly written papers, seemingly written by AI, has become a problem. In response, a research team at the National Institute of Informatics has developed software to determine whether scientific papers were written by AI. Apparently, AI is affecting our daily life in many respects.

Note:

1. The National Institute of Informatics (国立情報学研究所)（NII）is a Japanese research institute located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. NII was established in April 2000 for the purpose of advancing the study of informatics. This institute also works on creating systems to facilitate the spread of scientific information to the general public. (Wikipedia)

2. A "paper mill" (ペーパーミル) is an unethical organization (paper factory) that undertakes the fabrication and ghostwriting of research papers, mass-producing and selling them. By forging scientifically unfounded papers and submitting them to academic journals, they help researchers advance their careers and pose a serious problem that undermines the credibility of the scientific community. (Google)

What frequency of exercise is recommended for each age group? Compilation of draft guide Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

年代別に推奨する運動の頻度は? ガイド案取りまとめ 厚労省

2023年12月2日 5時29分

新型コロナの影響などで、子どもの体力が低下する中、厚生労働省は年代別に推奨する運動の頻度を示したガイド案を取りまとめました。

スポーツ庁の調査では、小中学生の体力テストの合計点がここ数年低下していて、コロナ禍で子どもの運動機会が制限された影響などが指摘されています。

こうした中、厚生労働省は、年代別に健康のために推奨する運動量の目安を示したガイド案を取りまとめました。

ガイド案では、18歳未満の子どもは、WHOが推奨している参考値として、

▽通学なども含めて、1日60分以上少し息があがる程度の体を動かす活動を行うほか、

▽ジョギングなどより強度の高い運動を週に3日以上行うことを示しました。

さらに、スマートフォンなどの画面を見て過ごす時間や座りっぱなしの時間を減らすことも示しました。

一方、部活動などで激しすぎる運動をすると、体の故障につながる可能性があるとして、週に2日以上の休養日を設けるよう注意を促しています。

また、

▽18歳以上の成人は1日60分以上、

▽高齢者は1日40分以上、ウォーキングなどの活動を行うことを推奨しているほか、成人と高齢者ともに、

▽週に2日から3日、スクワットなどの「筋トレ」を行うことが望ましいとしています。

厚生労働省は、年度内にもガイドを作って自治体などに周知し、地域での健康づくりのための計画策定などに生かしてもらうことにしています。

Translation

As children's physical strength declined due to the effects of the new coronavirus, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare had compiled a draft guide showing the recommended frequency of exercise for individual age group.

According to a survey by the Japan Sports Agency, the total score on physical fitness tests for elementary and junior high school students had been declining in recent years, pointing to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic in restricting children's opportunities to exercise.

Under these circumstances, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare had compiled a draft guide that showed the approximate amount of exercise recommended for health by age group.

In the draft guide, children under the age of 18 were subject to the reference values recommended by WHO that

▽in addition to engaging in physical activities for at least 60 minutes a day that allowed your body to the point where you caught your breath a little, including commuting to school,

▽ to do more intense exercise such as jogging 3 or more days a week, were indicated.

Additionally, it was shown to reduce time spent looking at screens such as smartphones and sedentary time.

On the other hand, people were urged to take at least two rest days a week, as doing too strenuous exercise such as in club activities could lead to physical damage.

Also,

▽ Adults over 18 years old it should have at least 60 minutes a day,

▽ to recommend older people to engage in activities such as walking for at least 40 minutes a day. In addition, for adult and old age people

▽ to recommend doing ``muscle training'' such as squats two to three days a week.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare planned to create a guide by the end of this fiscal year and to disseminate it to local governments and other bodies so that they could be used in formulating plans for promoting health in the communities.

              So, in Japan the government has compiled a draft guide showing the recommended frequency of exercise for individual age group. Basically, adults over 18 years old should have exercise at least 60 minutes a day in activities including walking while older people should have at least 40 minutes a day.

More than 800,000 people’s highest education are "elementary school graduates": in their 10s and 20s, to get education is an issue

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

最終学歴「小卒」が80万人余 10、20代も 学びの確保が課題に

2022年6月18日 5時39分

中学校まで通えずに小学校卒業が最終学歴となっている人について、国が初めて調査したところ、全国で80万人余りに上ることが分かりました。

80代以上が多い一方で10代や20代の若者もいて、義務教育を受けられなかった人たちへの学びの確保が課題となっています。

80代以上が9割

先月公表された国勢調査では、小学校卒業が最終学歴となっている人について国内の人数が初めて調べられ、おととし10月時点で80万4293人いることが分かりました。

年代別にみると、80代以上が全体の9割を占めていて、戦前の教育制度の違いや、戦後の混乱などが背景にあると見られています。

年代別で見ると

一方、

50代では6663人、

40代では6163人、

30代では4221人、

20代では2508人、

15歳以上20歳未満では302人と、

若い世代でも義務教育を受けられていない人がいます。

全体では外国人が占める割合は2.5％ですが、50代以下では50％余りが外国人となっています。

また、従来から調査されている小学校も通えていない未就学者は9万4455人となっています。

国は、さまざまな事情で十分な教育を受けられなかった人の学びの機会を保障するため、全国の教育委員会に「夜間中学」の設置を呼びかけ、この春も新たに4校開校しましたが、15都道府県にとどまっていて学びの支援が課題となっています。

「夜間中学」設置は15都道府県にとどまる

都道府県別にみると、最終学歴が小学校卒業となっている人が最も多かったのは北海道で5万4000人余り、次いで愛知県で3万6000人余り、新潟県で3万5000人余り、大阪府が3万4000人近くとなっています。

一方で、義務教育を受けられなかった人たちが学ぶ「夜間中学」を設置しているのは、この春に北海道などで開校した4校を含めても15都道府県の40校にとどまっています。

夜間中学がない地域のうち、宮城県仙台市や静岡県など3県で来年や再来年に開校するほか、鳥取県や群馬県など6県で、これから開校に向けて検討が進められています。

しかし、最終学歴が小学校卒業の人が多くいる愛知県や新潟県を含む23県では、設置の時期など具体的な見通しが立っていないということで、文部科学省は今回の調査結果を受けて、全国の教育委員会に夜間中学の設置や充実に取り組むよう文書で通知しました。

専門家「多様なニーズに合わせ 学びを保障する必要」

子どもの貧困や学校教育に詳しい立命館大学の柏木智子教授は「外国人の未就学は課題として指摘されており想定されていたが、50代以下の世代で日本人でも同程度ぐらいが『小卒』という状況にあるのは憂慮すべき事態だ。もっと早くからこうした実態把握をすべきだった。最終学歴が大卒の人と比べると生涯賃金に大きな差があり、貧困状態にも陥りやすく自分自身が望む生き方ができない状況に陥ることが想定される。格差の是正という意味でも一人ひとりを取り残さない教育が求められる」と指摘しました。

そして「夜間中学は重要な学び直しの機会を保障する場で、設置を進めるべきだが、仕事や子育てで通いにくい人や一度学校に通うのをやめた人たちが再び通学することには大きなハードルもあり、公的サービスにより多様なニーズに合わせて学びを保障する必要がある」と話しています。

Translation

The first national survey on those who had not attended junior high school and their highest academic level were elementary school graduation revealed that there were more than 800,000 people nationwide. 

While many were in their 80s or older, there were also young people in their teens and 20s, and securing education for those who could not receive compulsory education was an issue.

 90% of people were in their 80s and above

A census released last month for the first national survey on people who graduated from elementary school as their final education stood, the number was 804,293 as of October the year before last.

By age group, people in their 80s and above accounted for 90% of the total, and it was believed that the background was the difference in the prewar education system and the confusion after the war.

By age group

on the other hand,

6,663 people in their 50s,

6,163 people in their 40s,

4,221 people in their 30s,

2,508 people in their 20s,

302 people between the ages of 15 and 20

Even among the younger generations there were people who had not received the compulsory education.

While foreigners accounted for 2.5% of the total, for foreigners in their 50s or under, they occupied more than 50%.

In addition, in a past survey the number of preschoolers who have not attended even the elementary schools was 94,455.

The government called on the Board of Education nationwide to establish a "Night junior high school" in order to guarantee learning opportunities for those who had not received sufficient education due to various reasons, and while four new schools were opened this spring, support for learning remained an issue in 15 prefectures.

"Night junior high school" was set up in 15 prefectures only

By prefecture, the largest number of people with the final academic level at graduation from elementary school was Hokkaido with more than 54,000 people, followed by Aichi prefecture with more than 36,000 people, Niigata prefecture with more than 35,000 people, and Osaka prefecture had nearly 34,000 people.

On the other hand, only 40 "Night junior high schools" had been set up in 15 prefectures for those who could not receive compulsory education, including 4 schools that opened in Hokkaido this spring.

Of the areas where there was no night junior high school, in 3 prefectures including Sendai City of Miyagi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture would open schools next year and the year after next, and six prefectures such as Tottori Prefecture and Gunma Prefecture were considering opening the schools.

However, in 23 prefectures including Aichi and Niigata prefectures where many people had graduated from elementary schools only, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology upon receiving the results of this survey and also because there was no concrete outlook for the timing of setting up schools, had informed the Board of Education nationwide in writing to work on the establishment and enhancement of night junior high school.

Expert: "Need to ensure learning according to diverse needs”

Professor Tomoko Kashiwagi of Ritsumeikan University who was familiar with child poverty and school education said "while foreigners do not go to school as an issue has been pointed out and expected, yet even Japanese people in their 50s or younger are similar and merely were "elementary school graduates " is a worrying situation. We should have grasped this situation earlier. There is a big difference in lifetime wages comparing them to those who have university academic backgrounds, it is assumed that they will easily fall into poverty and will not be able to live the way they want. Also, in a sense to correct disparities, we need an education that does not leave even one person behind. "

She also said "Night junior high school is a place that guarantees important opportunities for re-learning, and it should be set up. For those who have difficulty in attending school due to work or raising children or those who have once stopped attending school, there is also a big hurdle in going to school again. We need to ensure that learning will meet diverse needs through public services. "

              So, a government survey reveals that there are more than 800,000 people nationwide who are elementary schools graduates only, and some of them are young people. This is a shocking news to me as Japan is a rich country that can afford to provide compulsory education to all citizens.

Worrying out-flow of security technology taught in universities – under a permit system for international students

Recently Nihon Keizai Shimbun Electronic Edition reported the following:

安保技術提供、留学生は許可制に　大学からの流出懸念

【イブニングスクープ】

2021年10月26日 18:00 [有料会員限定]

政府は日本の大学に長期留学する外国人について、安全保障にかかわる機微技術の提供を許可制にする。留学生の受け入れ時に安保上の懸念がないかを事前確認するように国が求めているにもかかわらず、実施していない大学が約4割ある。中国を念頭に留学生を通じて重要技術が国外に流出するのを防ぎ、経済安全保障を強化する。

経済産業省が年内に外為法の運用に関する通達を改正し、2022年度に施行する。日本に半年以上滞在する留学生に大学が重要技術を伝える場合、大学は経産相の許可を得る必要が生じる。

滞在半年未満の留学生は今も許可制で、長期滞在の留学生であっても年間所得の25%以上を外国政府から得るなど「外国の影響下にある」場合が新たに対象となる。

対象とする重要技術は汎用機器や部品の軍事転用を防ぐ国際枠組みに基づいて決める。半導体製造装置やロボットなど幅広い技術が含まれる。

経産省は外為法に基づく指針で、大学が留学生や外国人研究者を受け入れるときに安保上の懸念がないか事前審査を求めている。留学生をはじめに受け入れる段階で外国政府からの資金支援などの実態を把握できなければ、誰が規制対象の留学生か特定できない。

政府は22年度から研究者の情報開示の指針を見直し、海外を含む外部機関から支援を得る場合は所属機関へ報告を求める。研究者が平時から所属する大学や企業に申告するよう促す。

大学側の対応は鈍い。文部科学省と経産省が4月、全国の国立大と、理系や情報系の学部を持つ公立・私立大の計320校を調べたところ、受け入れ時の事前審査を内部規定に盛り込んでいる大学は62.5%だった。国立が97.7%で、公立は59.0%、私立は47.7%にとどまった。

17年には東京都内の大学の技術系学部に所属する中国人留学生が航空機搭載用の赤外線カメラなどを香港経由で中国に輸出し、外為法違反で有罪となる事件が起きた。人工知能（AI）や量子暗号など最先端技術は軍民両用の性質をもつ。流出した技術が軍事転用されるおそれがある。

こうした分野の研究開発に取り組む日本の大学には中国などからの留学生が少なくない。東大先端科学技術研究センターの国分俊史特任教授は「機微技術の流出は日常的に発生しているとみられる」と指摘する。

民生技術は発展が速く、国際的な枠組みに基づいて規制対象を決める現行のやり方では追いつかない。大学はどの技術を留学生に伝える際に許可が必要か判断できない。国分氏は「規制対象とする技術を明確にする必要がある」と話す。

米国では18年成立の国防権限法で、AIや量子技術など14分野の技術を独自に指定。輸出規制を強化する方針だ。

日本の大学の研究はアジア留学生への依存を深めている。規制によっては研究に響く懸念もある。経済安保に詳しいバウワーグループアジア日本代表の油木清明氏は「国際的な水準に追いつくために必要な取り組みだ。大学の研究とバランスをとった議論が必要で、合理的な範囲内での規制になるだろう」と話す。

Translation

Regarding foreign students from abroad studying at Japanese universities, the government had a system targeting those providing sensitive technology related to security. Despite the government's request to confirm in advance whether there were any security concerns when accepting international students, about 40% of universities had not carried out this. With China in mind, economic security would be strengthened to prevent the outflow of important technologies by international students.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry would revise the notification on the operation of the Foreign Exchange Law by the end of the year and this would come into effect in 2022. If a university wanted to pass important technology to international students who could stay in Japan for more than half a year, the university would need to obtain permission from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

At present, international students who stayed for less than half a year were still allowed in the permit system. For long-term international students who were "under the influence of a foreign country", such as earning 25% or more of their annual income from a foreign government, they would become a new target. 

Important technologies that were targeted were determined based on the international framework that prevented the military diversion of general-purpose equipment and its parts. It would include a wide range of technologies such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment and robots.

The guideline of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, which was based on the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act​, required a preliminary examination for security concerns when a university accepted international students and foreign researchers. Yet it was not possible to identify who could become a regulated international student unless the actual situation such as financial support from foreign governments could be grasped at the stage of accepting international students for the first time.

The government would review the guidelines on information disclosure of researchers from FY2022, and would request reports from the affiliated institutions when receiving support from external institutions including those from overseas. Researchers would be encouraged to report to their university or company during ordinary times.

The response from the university side had been sluggish. In April, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, together with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry investigated the nationwide national universities, as well public and private universities that had faculties of science and information system totaling 320 institutions, only 62.5% of universities in their internal regulations included a pre-screening at the time of acceptance. In national universities it was 97.7%, in public ones was 59.0%, and private was 47.7%.

In 2017, a Chinese student belonged to the technical department of a university in Tokyo exported an infrared camera for an aircraft to China via Hong Kong, and was found guilty of violating the Foreign Exchange Law. State-of-the-art technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum cryptography had dual-use properties. The leaked technology could be converted to military use.

Many Japanese universities engaged in research and development in these fields had many international students from China and other countries. Toshifumi Kokubun (国分俊史), a specially appointed professor at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology of the University of Tokyo, pointed out that "the outflow of sensitive technology seems to occur on a daily basis."

Consumer technology was developing rapidly and could not keep up with the current method of determining regulatory targets based on an international framework. Universities could not determine which technology could require permission to convey them to international students. Kokubun said “We need to clarify the technology to be regulated".

In the United States, in 2018 the Defense Authority Law enacted independently designated technologies in 14 fields such as AI and quantum technology. The policy was to tighten export restrictions.

Japanese university research was becoming more dependent on Asian students. There were also concerns that some regulations might affect research. Mr. Kiyoaki Yuki (油木清明), the representative of Bower Group Asia Japan who was familiar with economic security said, "This is a necessary effort to catch up with international standards. This requires discussions on university research and balancing, and to set regulation within a reasonable range. "

              So, in Japan if a university wants to pass important technology to international students, it will need to obtain permission from the government.

Note: According to the web-site of Bower Group Asia, this company is a strategic advisory firm that specializes in the Asia-Pacific. It applies unmatched experience and expertise to help clients navigate the world’s most complex and dynamic markets, provide actionable insights and analysis to implement strategies, mitigate risk, expand business, and do great things in Asia.

Japan Certified Accountants Association - disciplinary action against 43 members for dishonestly pretending to take training

 Recently NHK reported the following:

日本公認会計士協会 会員43人を懲戒処分 研修の受講装う不正で

2021年3月9日 21時29分

 大手監査法人の「あずさ監査法人」に所属する83人の公認会計士が、法律で義務づけられているオンラインの研修を受講したように装う不正を行っていたとして、日本公認会計士協会はこのうちの43人を懲戒処分にしました。

日本公認会計士協会の発表によりますと、「あずさ監査法人」の公認会計士83人は、公認会計士法で一定の単位の取得が義務づけられている、監査業務や職業倫理などについてのオンライン研修の受講で不正を行っていました。

1台の端末から2つの研修に同時にログインして、受講を済ませたように装っていたということです。

日本公認会計士協会は内部告発を受けて調査を進め、不正を認定したということで、単位を取り消した結果、基準を満たさなくなった43人を戒告や協会の会員としての権利を1か月から3か月停止する懲戒処分にしました。

会員権の停止によって協会の会合への出席などができなくなりますが、公認会計士の資格そのものに影響はなく、通常の監査業務は制限されないということです。

また、日本公認会計士協会は、あずさ監査法人についても協会の会員としての権利を1か月停止する懲戒処分を行いました。

協会の手塚正彦会長は記者会見で「法律で義務づけられた研修であるという理解が十分に進んでいなかった。重く受け止めたい」と述べました。

 Translation

The Japan Certified Public Accountants Association found out that 83 certified accountants belonging to a major audit firm the "Azusa Audit Corporation" were fraudulently pretending to have taken online training as required by law, and disciplinary action was dished out to 43 people.

According to the announcement by the Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants, 83 certified public accountants of "Azusa Audit Corporation" were fraudulent in attending online training on auditing work and professional ethics, which were required in order to obtain certain credits under the Certified Public Accountants Act.

It was about logging into two training sessions at the same time from one terminal and pretended to have completed the training.

The Japan Institute of Certified Public Accountants proceeded with the investigation after receiving a whistleblower. Fraud was confirmed and as a result credits were canceled, 43 people who became below the criteria were reprimanded, and their right to be a member of the association was suspend from 1 month to 3 months as a disciplinary action.

The suspension of membership could prevent them from attending meetings of the association, but it would not affect their qualification as a certified accountant; and would not limit their regular auditing work.

In addition, the Japan Certified Public Accountants Association had also taken disciplinary action to suspend the rights of Azusa Audit Corporation as a member of the association for one month.

At a press conference the association's chairman Masahiko Tezuka said "the fact that the training as required by law has not been voluntarily taken up. I would like to take it seriously."

              So, it is shocking to know that as professionals, they could cheat the system by fraudulently attending online training on auditing work and professional ethics. Obviously, these people have violated their professional ethics.

             

Cases for researchers to pay for scientific publication were increasing: up to 200 million yen - Kyoto University

Last month NHK News On-line reported the following:

最大で2億円 科学論文公開で研究者が料金支払うケース増 京大

2020年1月13日 4時09分

科学論文を公開するため、研究者が雑誌の出版社に料金を支払うケースが増えていて、京都大学が学内の状況を調べたところ、昨年度の投稿料は最大でおよそ２億円だったことが分かりました。専門家は、研究費を圧迫しているおそれがあり、国内全体の状況を調べる必要があると指摘しています。

科学雑誌はこれまで主に購読料を支払って読む形式だったため、研究者が論文を投稿する際に料金は生じませんでしたが、近年は誰でも無料で読めるように公開する一方で、投稿した研究者から投稿料を受け取るオープンアクセスと呼ばれる方式が増えています。

こうした中、京都大学が、所属する研究者を対象にオープンアクセスの利用状況を調べたところ、昨年度、オープンアクセスで投稿した論文は最大で1400本、投稿料は最大で１億9000万円だったことが分かりました。

投稿料の平均はおよそ13万6000円となっていて、前の年度と比べて、論文数は20％余り増加し、投稿料の総額もおよそ18％増加したということです。

科学雑誌の現状に詳しい国立情報学研究所の安達淳副所長は「信頼性の高い調査としては初めて行われたものといえる。投稿料の負担によって研究費を圧迫しているおそれがあり、国内全体の状況を早急に調べて対応を検討する必要がある」と指摘しています。

Translation

Researchers were increasingly paying journal publishers to publish their scientific papers, and when Kyoto University examined the situation on campus, the posting fee last year was at the highest and was up to about 200 million yen. Experts had pointed out the worry that researching costs might be under pressure and it was necessary to look into the situation in the country.

Until now, scientific journals were mainly read with a subscription fee, so there was no charge when researchers submit articles. However, in recent years articles were opened up so that anyone could read them for free and a method called open access, which received submission fees from researchers, was increasing.

Under these circumstances, Kyoto University examined the use of open access by researchers of the university. In the previous academic year, it was understood that the maximum number of papers submitted via open access was 1,400 and the submission fee was 190 million yen at the highest.

The average submission fee was about 136,000 yen. Compared to the previous academic year the number of papers had increased by about 20% and the total submission fee had increased by about 18%.

Adachi Jun, the deputy director of the National Institute of Informatics who was familiar with the current state of scientific journals pointed out that "it can be said that this is the first reliable survey. The burden of posting fee has put pressure on research expenses; there is also a need to examine the situation of the whole country as soon as possible to consider a response."

        So, it is expensive for the scholars in Japan to publish their research papers.

English private exam : 50% of universities used it - as of the end of September

Recently Nihon Keizai Shimbun Electronic Edition reported the following:

英語民間試験、利用大学5割どまり　9月末時点

大学 社会・くらし

2019/10/4 12:27 (2019/10/4 20:44更新)

大学入学共通テストで導入される英語民間試験の円滑実施について話し合われた会議（9月、文科省）=共同

2020年度に始まる大学入学共通テストで導入される英語民間試験を巡り、文部科学省は4日、成績を合否判定の材料や出願資格などに利用すると決めた大学が9月末時点で全体の5割の561校になったと発表した。試験会場などの公表の遅れや公平性確保への懸念などから利用をためらう大学が多いとみられる。同省は10月中旬までに利用大学を確定させる。

英語民間試験の導入は「読む・聞く・書く・話す」の4技能を測るのが目的。受験生は20年4～12月に試験を受け、大学入試センターが各実施団体から成績を集約して各大学に提供する。

同省の集計によると、成績の具体的な利用方法を決めた四年制大学や短期大学は全体の53%に当たる561校。四年制大学は64%が利用するとし、うち国立は94%、公立78%、私立57%だった。

文科省は「大学入試英語ポータルサイト」の公開を一部停止してデータを更新し、7日をめどに詳細が見られるようにする。

同省は各大学の決定を急がせ、受験生の不安を解消するために、9月末までに利用方針を示さなかった大学には成績を提供しないとした。10月11日までの猶予期間を設けており、利用大学数は増える可能性もある。

英語民間試験を巡っては公平性や公正性への疑問が消えず、日程や会場で未確定部分が残ることなどから、高校側からは延期の要望が出ている。高校側の混乱などを懸念し、利用を見送った大学が少なくないもようだ。

萩生田光一文科相は4日の閣議後記者会見で、「多くの受験生が実施を前提に準備を進めてきており、予定どおり20年度から実施する」と強調。利用が5割にとどまったことに対し、各大学の過去の入試における民間試験利用率に比べれば高いとし、「英語4技能の評価を促進したといえる」と話した。

一方で「もう少し多くの大学が参加してくれる仕組みだったらよかった」とも述べ、高校や大学、実施団体などと協議の場を設ける考えを示した。実施団体には日程や会場の詳細を11月1日までに公表するよう要請しており、各大学にもやむを得ない事情で試験が受けられなかった受験生への配慮を求めるという。

Translation

Center around the English private examination to be introduced in the common university entrance test starting in fiscal 2020, on the 4th the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) announced that as of the end of September the number of schools that decided to use the grades for pass / fail judgment information together with application qualifications etc. was 561 and representing 50%. Many universities seemed to hesitate to use it due to delays in publication of exam sites, and concerns on ensuring fairness. The ministry would by mid-October finalize the universities that would use it.

The purpose of introducing the English private exam was to measure the four skills of "reading, listening, writing and speaking". Applicants took the examination in April-December 2020, and the university entrance examination center collected the results from individual implementing organization and provided them to the individual university.

According to the same ministry, the number of four-year universities and junior colleges that had decided on a specific way to use the grading was 561, accounting for 53% of the total. Four-year universities using it was 64%, of which 94% were national; 78% was using it among public universities, and 57% among the private ones.

The ministry would partially stop making public the "college entrance examination English portal site" to update the data, so that more details on its prospect could be seen on the 7th.

The ministry urged for a decision of individual university; and in order to relieve students' anxiety, decided not to provide grades to universities that didn't show a usage policy by the end of September. There was a grace period until October 11, and there was a possibility that the number of universities that used the test would increase.

The question about objectivity and impartiality over the private English exam had not disappeared, and uncertainties remained regarding the schedule and venue. There was a request for postponement from the side of the high schools. Due to concerns about confusion in high schools, it seemed that there were many universities that had not used it.

At the press conference after the cabinet meeting on the 4th, Koichi Sugata the Minister of Education emphasized, “many exam taking students are preparing for the implementation, and it will start from FY20 as scheduled”; and "it can be said that the evaluation of the 4 English skills was promoted" as the usage rate was 50%,  and that it was higher than the private examination utilization rate in past entrance examinations of individual university.

On the other hand, he said, “It would have been nice if there were a lot more universities participating,” and suggested the idea of ​​setting up a forum for consultation with high schools, universities and implementing organizations. The implementing organizations were requested to announce the details of the schedule and venue by November 1^st. Individual university were requested to pay attention to students who could not take the exam due to unavoidable circumstances.

        It seems that the new English exam system was not welcome by some students.

Doctoral degree holders - among 7 major countries only Japan is continuing to decline

Recently the NHK News On-line reported the following:

博士号取得者 主要７か国で日本だけ減少傾向続く

2019年8月9日 17時25分

大学で博士号を取得した人がどれくらいいるか、主要７か国で分析すると、日本は2016年度、人口100万人当たり118人で、日本だけ減少傾向が続いていて、文部科学省は研究力が低下している原因の１つではないかと指摘しています。

文部科学省の科学技術・学術政策研究所は、2016年度に日本やイギリス、それにドイツなど主要７か国の大学で博士号を取得した人数を分析して比較しました。

その結果、日本の大学で博士号を取得した人数は１万5040人で、人口100万人当たりでは118人と、いずれもおよそ10年前から減少傾向が続いています。

日本以外の人口100万人当たりの博士号取得者数は、イギリスが最も多い360人で、続いてドイツの356人と、どちらも日本の３倍余りとなっています。

また、韓国は271人と2000年度の131人から２倍余りに大幅に増加していて、日本のおよそ2.3倍になっています。

文部科学省によりますと、主要７か国では日本だけが減少傾向が続いていて、日本の研究力が低下している原因の１つではないかと指摘しています。

科学技術・学術政策研究所は「海外では博士号を取得する前から給料をもらいながら研究するシステムが整っているが、日本ではそうした取り組みが少ないことが影響しているとみられる」と話しています。

Translation

According to an analysis focusing on seven major countries on how many major universities had handed out doctoral degrees, Japan had 118 people per million in fiscal 2016, and was on a declining trend. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology pointed out that one of the causes was a decline in research capabilities.

The National Institute of Science and Technology Policy, which was under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, compared the number of people obtained doctoral degrees  in universities in seven major countries such as Japan, the UK, and Germany in FY2016.

As a result, the number of doctoral degree holders at Japanese universities was 15,040, and was equal to 118 people per million population, both of which were on a decreasing trend since about 10 years ago.

The number of doctoral degrees per million population outside Japan was the largest in the UK with 360 people, followed by 356 in Germany, both of which were more than three times as many as Japan.

In Korea, there were 271 people, a large increase of more than double from 131 people in 2000, about 2.3 times that of Japan.

According to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan continued to decline among the seven major countries, indicating that one of the reasons was a decline in Japan's research capabilities.

The National Institute of Science and Technology Policy said, “Overseas, there is a system for conducting research while getting a salary before acquiring a doctorate, but in Japan it seems that it is influenced by the fact there are few such efforts.”

              So, should the Japanese government pump more money into the field of research in the future? I am wondering whether the number of PhD is directly related the amount of efforts being put into doing research in a country.