Japan Approves Digital Textbooks as Official School Materials

Parliament approved legislation Wednesday that allows digital textbooks to serve as official teaching materials in Japanese schools. The amendments to the school education law and related statutes were enacted at a plenary meeting of the House of Councilors.

Digital textbooks are now eligible for free distribution to students at public elementary, junior high, and high schools. Previously they were treated only as supplementary materials.

Under the new framework, local education boards will choose whether schools under their jurisdiction adopt print, digital, or hybrid textbooks. The first official use of digital textbooks is expected as early as April 2030, following government inspections scheduled for fiscal 2028.

The education ministry plans to issue usage guidelines this autumn at the earliest. Officials cited concerns about potential health effects such as eyesight deterioration from prolonged screen use. Digital textbooks can include video and audio features that may help students understand lessons.

The ministry said guidelines will address proper implementation and health considerations.