Announcement of "(Proposal) Basic Principles for Promoting Education DX" by the League of Tomorrow

The League of Tomorrow (Chairperson: Nanako Ishido, Professor at Keio University; http://lot.or.jp/), based on insights gained through ongoing dialogue between industry, academia, and government, hereby presents the following proposal as a basic direction for promoting Education DX with a view toward the next 10 years.

— (Proposal) Basic Principles for Promoting Education DX —

March 2026 League of Tomorrow, Data WG / Copyright WG

Preface

As we enter the Society 5.0 era, the digitalization of education (Education DX) has become more than just a change in tools; it is a solution for rapidly resolving national challenges that involve a fundamental transformation of learning. Amidst significant environmental changes—such as the rapid development of AI technology, the progress of data utilization, children's early exposure to digital devices, and a growing awareness of individual rights—Japanese education is entering a new phase.

While new educational roles such as coaching and cheer-up support, as well as content like MOOCs that allow for the learning of highly specialized, up-to-date material, are emerging, the promotion of Education DX is currently stagnating due to mismatches between technology and systems, differences in perception among stakeholders, and the absence of a long-term vision. To provide optimal learning for every child, reduce the burden on teachers while fostering their expertise, and continuously improve the quality of education, it is necessary to establish a basic principle for Education DX that can be shared by all stakeholders, premised on digital utilization and collaboration with AI that goes beyond conventional frameworks.

This basic principle (proposal) outlines the fundamental direction for promoting Education DX over the next 10 years, based on the insights the League of Tomorrow has gathered through repeated dialogue between industry, academia, and government.

Furthermore, this basic principle reflects the discussions in the simultaneously published "Changes and Prospects in the Technological and Social Environment Surrounding Education," and the "Emergency Action Plan for Promoting the Utilization of Educational Data," also published concurrently, summarizes the short-term tasks based on these basic principles.

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1. Increasing the Flexibility of the Education System to Adapt to Change

To respond to technological evolution and social change, it is necessary to increase the flexibility of the education system itself. The development of a data infrastructure is the foundation for realizing individualized, optimized learning, ensuring the continuity of learning across school levels, and building a lifelong learning society.

Through the utilization of educational data, we aim to realize learning that responds to each individual's learning progress and interests, unconstrained by traditional grade-based or school-type frameworks.

In particular, to respond to the Society 5.0 society where information and knowledge are updated at an accelerating pace, we recommend "agile" initiatives that allow for flexible reviews regardless of existing system revision periods. We also believe it is necessary to dispel anxiety regarding mindset shifts by providing incentives and safeguards.

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2. Building a Child-Centered Educational Data Ecosystem

Educational data exists to support the learning and growth of each individual child. We will establish a principle that prioritizes the best interests of the child in all aspects of data generation, management, and utilization.

Individual learning data shall be considered the property of the individual, and we will develop mechanisms that allow the individual (or their guardian) to appropriately participate in its management and utilization. At the same time, we will build an environment where data analysis and research and development necessary for improving the quality of education can be conducted appropriately while respecting privacy.

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3. Development of a Fair and Open Educational Data Infrastructure

The infrastructure for utilizing educational data must be neutral and open, not dependent on any specific provider. We will develop an environment where diverse providers can offer high-quality educational services through fair competition.

The government will play a leading role in developing the basic data linkage infrastructure and will be responsible for formulating and disseminating technical standards and ensuring interoperability. At the same time, it will ensure the flexibility for local governments and schools to make choices according to their local circumstances.

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4. Copyright Protection and Sustainable Creation of High-Quality Educational Content

the spread of digital teaching materials requires a new framework that protects the legitimate rights of copyright holders while enabling smooth use in educational settings. At the same time, it is essential to ensure an environment where high-quality educational content is continuously created.

We will develop a compensation system that corresponds to the digitalization of textbooks and teaching materials, aiming to simplify and clarify copyright processing. We will provide clear guidelines so that educational settings can utilize materials without legal anxiety, and build a mechanism that encourages sustainable creative activities and investment through appropriate remuneration to content creators.

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5. Sustainable Development through Collaboration between Industry, Academia, Government, and the Public

Promoting Education DX can only be realized through the collaboration of the government, educational institutions, the industrial sector, and civil society. We will build a sustainable ecosystem based on mutual trust, leveraging the strengths of each.

In particular, to build a healthy relationship between the educational field and the industrial sector, we will establish principles for a highly transparent decision-making process and appropriate division of roles.

Additionally, it is desirable to carry out necessary system revisions to realize instruction from elementary and secondary education levels based on the latest literacy provided by industrial personnel, which also leads to the safety of children.

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6. Balancing International Harmony with Japan's Uniqueness

In the utilization of educational data, we will design a unique system that reflects Japan's educational culture and values while seeking harmony with international standards and norms.

While keeping a close eye on EU AI regulations and US EdTech trends, we will build a system that leverages Japan's strengths, such as balancing privacy protection with educational effectiveness and maintaining the philosophy of public education.

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7. Social Consensus Building and Improvement of Literacy

Fostering social understanding and trust in the utilization of educational data is the foundation of all efforts. We will develop an environment where children, guardians, teachers, and society as a whole can understand the significance and risks of educational data and participate proactively.

In addition to incorporating data literacy education into the curriculum, we will establish venues for continuous information disclosure and dialogue regarding the status of educational data utilization.

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Conclusion

The direction indicated by this proposal cannot be realized overnight. However, by sharing these basic principles among all stakeholders and steadily advancing initiatives from each respective position, we can provide a better learning environment for children and realize the sustainable development of Japanese education.

The League of Tomorrow will continue to serve as a forum for dialogue between industry, academia, government, and the public, and will continue to make concrete proposals and conduct demonstrations toward the realization of these principles.

Detailed materials regarding this proposal can be viewed below: "(Proposal) Basic Principles for Promoting Education DX" "Changes and Prospects in the Technological and Social Environment Surrounding Education" "Emergency Action Plan for Promoting the Utilization of Educational Data" Web publication site: https://lot.or.jp/report/16385/

League of Tomorrow Chairperson: Hiroshi Komiyama (Chairman of Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc., 28th President of the University of Tokyo) Chairperson: Nanako Ishido (Professor at Keio University, Chairperson of CANVAS NPO) Official Website: http://lot.or.jp/ Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LearningofTomorrow/