제2차 아베 정권의 교과서 제도 개혁과 역사교과서

Abstract

This thesis aims to analyze the development process and main contents of textbook system reformation by the second Abe administration and to consider its possible effect on the history textbook. The main contents of textbook system reformation are ①specification of the course of study and revision of its commentary, ②review of a provision requiring the government to pay consideration to Japan’s past relations with neighboring countries when screening school textbooks, ③Yaeyama textbook issue and reformation of textbook's adoption systemTextbook system reformation by the second Abe administration was promptly processed as soon as the administration was established and it was successful in that it could reflect the administration's idea and control in the whole process (i.e., description, editing, screening, and adoption). This would make the conflict between Japan and the neighboring countries more serious regarding history textbook issues. Revision of the commentary on the course of study would increase descriptions, which try to demonstrate that Dokdo is the Japanese territory in the history textbook. The revised course of study in 2016 likely includes contents that emphasize Japanese identity and patriotism and that also are reflected in the history textbook. According to the Basic Act on Education and the purpose of the course of study, defective textbooks would be rejected in the screening process, which would permit only textbooks that reflect the administration's idea. Descriptions about Nanjing Massacre, comfort women issue, colonization, and territorial issue would reflect the perception of history of Abe administration and the claims of right-wing, which would worsen the conflict with the neighboring countries. Reformation in textbook adoption would increase the adoption rate of right-wing history textbooks and also increase the number of Japanese students who would have distorted perception of history. This kind of scenario is not good for Korea. Appealing to the inter- national public opinion, cooperation with the neighboring countries for a diplomatic pressure. and supporting conscientious people in Japan are necessary. It has to be recognized that Abe administration's distorted perception of history and distorted description of history textbook would not help Japan. Unless Japanese public opinion changes regarding history textbook issue by Abe administration, Abe's dogmatic attitude would continue.