In Japan, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) is planning to integrate a new program known as 'life safety education' into the national curriculum guidelines starting in the 2023 school year. This initiative focuses on educating children about preventing both victims and perpetrators of sexual violence and is a response to recent legislative changes aimed at penalizing sexual crimes more severely. The education program was partially piloted in select schools since the 2021 school year and is just beginning to roll out nationwide. Despite the importance of this initiative, only 14.8% of schools surveyed reported utilizing the materials developed for this program, indicating a significant gap in awareness and implementation within educational settings.

MEXT Minister Yohei Matsumoto has emphasized the urgency of improving the implementation rates of this education, highlighting that the intended purpose of the program has not sufficiently permeated school environments. He noted that lessons related to interest in the opposite sex in physical education classes for first-year junior high students could potentially align with the goals of life safety education. Matsumoto has encouraged discussions among experts on how to effectively position this education within the curriculum, stressing the need for collaboration with educational establishments to address these concerns.

Looking ahead, the ministry is considering revisions to the educational materials, including clarification on the concept of 'sexual consent'. Matsumoto reiterated the importance of ensuring that life safety education is effectively delivered across all schools, advocating for strategies that will resonate with students and facilitate their understanding of these critical issues. He is committed to actively communicating with those on the ground to ensure the program's success and impact on student welfare.