Conclusion
The issues raised in this brief overview of
lifelong learning in Japan illustrate the rather
remarkable extent to which Japan has embraced
the idea of lifelong learning. Stretching back to
the late 1940s, Japan has made impressive strides
toward its goal of becoming a lifelong learning
society. The idea of lifelong learning is now well
understood and increasingly embraced within
Japanese society. Its importance is shared and
explicitly supported by government at all levels.
Considering the future of lifelong learning in
Japan, it is clear that there are both old and new
challenges which need to be addressed, particularly
with regard to changing demographics,
economic development, and maintaining a sense
of community in a society that is increasingly
becoming more individualistic (Wilson, 2001).
However, there is little doubt that Japan will
continue its impressive progress toward becoming
a lifelong learning society in which all its
people can participate in learning opportunities
any time during their lives.