The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe started discussions Thursday on education reform, which he says is essential for building a stronger nation.
"To re-create a strong Japan, it is essential to revive the education of the children who will be responsible for the country's future," Abe said during the first meeting of a 15-member panel on education reform. "The revival of education is a top priority, just as much as economic revival."
The meeting marked the restart of the Education Rebuilding Council, which was created in 2006 under the first Abe administration. The panel will meet twice a month.