Keizai Koho Center (KKC) invited seven North American Social Studies teachers, six American teachers and one Canadian, to Japan to participate in the 2025 Japan Study Tour for nine days from June 23 to July 1. On the theme of “Tackling Social Issues in a Chaotic World: Views of North American Social Studies Teachers,” they expanded their understanding of contemporary Japan through discussions with Japanese government officials, business leaders, educators, and experts.

Deepening Understanding through School Visits and Discussions with Education Experts The North American teachers visited two high schools: Hosei University Kokusai High School and Tokyo Metropolitan Shoyo High School. They actively interacted with the students and teachers at these schools by going on school tours, observing classes, teaching mini-lessons about their schools and home states in English, and participating in club activities. Regarding Japan’s education policy, Masamichi Ueno, a professor in the department of Education at Sophia University, explained how shifting educational priorities influenced curriculum. There was also a lively exchange of views with teachers from Tokyo Metropolitan high schools about the education system, issues in the educational field, and working conditions.

Discussions with companies and experts to promote multifaceted understanding of Japan The Honorable Ms. Karen Makisima from the House of Representatives met with North American teachers and discussed the current educational, political, economic, and diplomatic landscapes in Japan and relation with the U.S. Mr. Ichiro Fujisaki, former Ambassador to the U.S., shared his thoughts on the current state of relations between Japan, the U.S., and China. Dr. Tsuneo Watanabe, Senior Fellow, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, explained about U.S.-Japan politics and Japan’s security policy. Mr. Tetsuji Okazaki, Research Director at the Canon Institute for Global Studies, gave a lecture on Japan’s postwar reconstruction and economic development. North American teachers also visited TOKYU LAND CORPORATION, NIPPON YUSEN KAISHA LINE, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., and Kao Corporation to gain insight into the companies from various perspectives, including their history, corporate culture, and operations in the U.S.

Concluding the symposium program The last day of the program featured a symposium at Keidanren Kaikan in Otemachi, Tokyo. Ms.Yukiko Furusawa, editor of The Yomiuri Shimbun, gave the keynote speech, titled “The Future of Education from Diverse Perspectives.” Seven North American teachers also gave presentations on “Issues and Prospects for Education in North America.” There was a lively panel discussion including representatives of KKC member companies on the topic of “The Future of Education and the Role of Businesses in the U.S. and Japan.”

North American teachers who participated in this program will disseminate information about Japan in their school classes and conduct activities in their local communities based on the knowledge and experience they gained through the program, and will work to further enhance mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S. and Canada.