The Japanese Ministry of Education has outlined a plan for educational reform that seeks to achieve equal ratios of arts and science students in high schools by the year 2040. This initiative is driven by the current imbalance where the majority of students are focused on the arts, and reflects a push to cultivate a workforce equipped with scientific knowledge to meet the increasing demands of industries. The ministry anticipates a shift towards a more interdisciplinary education that will equip students with a balanced skill set, ultimately abolishing the traditional divide between arts and sciences.

In 2024, it is projected that 51.4% of high school seniors will be arts students, while only 30.8% will focus on sciences, with 17.8% attending schools without a clear division. The Ministry of Education's commitment to reform comes in light of rapid advancements in technology, particularly in AI and data science, which have been underscored by concerns regarding a shortage of science and mathematics professionals in the job market by 2040. These developments highlight the necessity for educational reform to align with the evolving demands of society and the economy.

This approach also encompasses reforms in high school entrance examinations, suggesting a comprehensive and foundational shift in how students are evaluated and prepared for their futures. The Ministry is expected to publicly disclose a basic policy framework (grand design) for high school education reform imminently, focusing on enhancing educational pathways that transcend traditional academic boundaries, thereby preparing students more holistically for the complexities of the future workforce.