Keizai Koho Center invited seven North American Social Studies teachers to Japan to participate in the 2024 Japan Study Tour. This year’s program was held from June 24 to July 2 and focused on the future of education in Japan and the U.S. and the growing economic and social inequalities in both countries.

On the last day of the program, a seminar titled “The Future of Education and the Role of Businesses in Addressing Disparities and Inequalities” was held. With the upcoming U.S. presidential election which will have a significant impact on Japanese politics and economy, there is a growing interest in Japan to understand the actual situation across the U.S. and the underlying factors that are causing divisions in American society.

Dr. Tsuneo Watanabe, Senior Fellow of the Sasagawa Peace Foundation made an introductory remark titled “Politics Reflected by Economic Disparities in the U.S.” He analyzed the different views of the liberals and conservatives in U.S. politics and how they view the upcoming Presidential election.

After Dr. Tsuneo Watanabe’s remarks, the American teachers from the states of New York, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, explained the situation of social inequalities and divisions in their local school districts and the effects on education. They explained that although the situation differs by state and within school districts, de-facto segregation based on race and class has been growing. They also agreed that although inequalities are heightening, all students should be given an equal opportunity to learn and grow. The teachers also stated that scholarships from businesses are very appreciated by students who cannot afford the increasingly expensive college tuitions in the U.S.