文部科学省

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), or Monbukagakushō, is a cabinet‑level ministry in the Japanese government formed on January 6, 2001, through the merger of the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture and the Science and Technology Agency. Tasked with steering national policy across education, culture, sports, science and technology, MEXT aims to boost Japan’s socio‑economic growth, global competitiveness, cultural richness and innovation.

Organizational Structure

MEXT is led by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, supported by state ministers, parliamentary vice‑ministers and an administrative vice‑minister. Its major divisions include the Higher Education Bureau, Education Policy Bureau, Elementary & Secondary Education Bureau, Science & Technology Policy Bureau, Research Promotion Bureau, Japan Sports Agency and Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Role in Higher Education

The Higher Education Bureau oversees universities, junior colleges, colleges of technology, professional graduate schools and specialized training colleges. Responsibilities include approving new institutions, setting curriculum standards, regulating faculty qualifications, managing admission policies and awarding degrees. It supports reform initiatives such as the Designated National University Corporation System and promotes academic–industry collaboration and internationalization initiatives like the Global 30 Project and Top Global University Project.

Under global education programs like Global 30, selected universities establish English‑taught courses and enhance support systems, receiving funding for international recruitment, scholarship provision, faculty expansion and student housing.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

MEXT enforces Japan’s national Higher Education Quality Assurance Framework, incorporating the Standards for Establishing Universities (SEU), the Establishment‑Approval System (EAS) and the Quality Assurance & Accreditation System (QAAS). Prospective universities undergo preliminary review; existing institutions face periodic evaluations.

Since 2004, MEXT certifies independent accreditation agencies—such as JUAA, JIHEE and NIAD‑QE—to conduct institutional and program reviews across standard and professional universities. NIAD‑QE, established in 2016, evaluates institutions, accredits non‑traditional learning paths and awards academic degrees. These bodies ensure accountability, continuous improvement, transparency and public trust.

Science, Technology & Research

The Science and Technology Policy Bureau and related agencies implement Japan’s national STI strategies, fund basic and applied research across fields—AI, life science, environmental tech, nanotechnology and space exploration—and promote university–industry collaboration. They advance Science and Technology Basic Plans (e.g., fifth plan FY2016–2020), support research infrastructure and drive international R&D partnerships.

Internationalization and Scholarship Programs

MEXT fosters international exchange through scholarships, academic partnerships and global mobility. It administers the Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship—supporting over 65,000 students since 1954—and manages admission systems like the EJU for foreign students.

Initiatives like Global 30 and the Top Global University Project encourage universities to offer English‑medium programs, recruit foreign staff and students and elevate global academic standing. MEXT ensures alignment between immigration control and educational admission to prevent misuse of student visas.

Culture, Sports and Lifelong Learning

The Agency for Cultural Affairs preserves cultural heritage, promotes traditional and contemporary arts and manages national cultural institutions. The Japan Sports Agency advances physical education, supports grassroots sports and prepares elite athletes for the Olympics and Paralympics. MEXT also promotes lifelong learning and community educational programs to ensure continuing access to learning opportunities throughout life.

Conclusion

MEXT stands at the heart of Japan’s strategy to promote education, science, culture, sports and technology. By guiding higher education reform, imposing strong accreditation standards, driving scholarship and international programs, funding research and innovation and supporting cultural and athletic excellence, the ministry plays a pivotal role in fostering Japan’s social progress, economic vitality and global engagement.

Organization Name

文部科学省

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

Acronym

MEXT

Year of Establishment

2001

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

3-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo
100-8959 Tokyo Japan

Phone

+81 (3) 5253 4111

Fax

+81 (3) 3591 8044

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Wikipedia page

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