Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 12th meeting of the Council for the Implementation of Education Rebuilding at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, discussion took place on the future of connections among high schools and universities, and university entrance examinations.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

"I would like to offer some remarks upon the opening of the 12th meeting of the Council for the Implementation of Education Rebuilding. As you are all aware, Tokyo has been selected as the host city for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Our success this time is thanks to the people of Japan joining together as 'Team Japan.' If we work together, our dreams will come true. Together with the rest of the people of Japan, I believe that we were able to feel this firsthand.
The importance of realizing our dreams also applies to education rebuilding.
At the previous meeting of the Council, the importance of having dreams and pursuing higher aspirations through high school and university education was pointed out.
In addition, members of the Council shared the view that amid the dramatic changes taking place in the social structure of Japan, diverse human resources who have both independence and creativity are needed in the various fields of society.
From these perspectives, the orientation of the screening process for university applicants must be shifted toward more carefully evaluating the abilities and motivation of students in a multifaceted and comprehensive manner.
At the same time, consistent initiatives undertaken jointly by high schools and universities to elevate students' abilities and motivation must be promoted.
In light of these perspectives, I look forward to your continued lively discussions."