[EDITORIALS]Revise textbook scrutiny

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[EDITORIALS]Revise textbook scrutiny

The inclusion of a chapter on the current administration in history textbooks for high school students has been approved. Materials on incumbent government, such as chronological data, facts related to the inauguration and policy guidelines, are to be covered in an objective and fair manner.

Still, the question remains whether the record on the current government should be included in the texts. Historians' views will inevitably be reflected in the treatment. Some might claim that neutrality will be maintained because the texts will include only chronologies and important historical facts. But the selection of material and the facts themselves involves viewpoints and positions.

Some might argue that unlike government textbooks, the government-monitored textbooks can be influenced by the authors' view. Even in those textbooks, however, history is written based on facts verified during the minimum period of inspection. Not that long ago an authoritarian military regime included a chapter in praise of itself in a textbook, of which it was proved to be unworthy of soon afterwards.

The current textbooks classify history into politics, economy, social affairs and culture. If an author thinks it necessary he can include some important historical events that took place under the current administration. In the political field, however, the writers classify things under "Civilian Government" and "People's Government" evaluating the achievements. This will bring criticism over fairness and objectivity.

Historical records focusing on achievements of the president or a regime are out-of-date. It is difficult to understand why the government is keen on including descriptions of itself.

Japan adopted a government-examined textbook program long ago. The Japanese Education Ministry has an office that oversees textbook publishing. This office examines, revises and verifies the contents of textbooks. We should reshape our system of examining textbooks if we are to make history textbooks that are worth using to teach, regardless of the interests of a particular administration.
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