The Presidential Adviser for National security, Minister of Education, and officials from Egypt visited the University of Tokyo on October 14, 2015. Professor Tsuneyoshi gave a presentation titled “The Japanese Model of Whole Child Education: Tokkatsu” and explained the concept of educating the whole child, cognitive as well as social/emotional, and physical, guided by democratic principles, is the pillar of Japanese school education. These principles are embedded in daily school activities and essential for students’ development both academically and socially.

The Egyptian delegates were interested to know how Tokkatsu was incorporated into pre-service teacher training, how to conduct an assessment on Tokkatsu, and whether both boys and girls participate in special activities such as serving lunch for their classmates. The delegates visited Ibukata Elementary School and Koishikawa Junior/Senior High school to observe Tokkatsu activities.

（By Kanako Kusanagi, Project Researcher, Center for Excellence in School Education）