Japan to allow digital textbooks, with plans to roll them out in public elementary schools in 2030

Japan decided on Wednesday to allow digital textbooks in schools, with plans to roll them out in public elementary schools beginning in fiscal 2030.

A working group in the Education Ministry has approved the option for schools to use only digital textbooks, according to Japan Today.

Previously, educational institutions were permitted to use them alongside paper textbooks or to use paper textbooks exclusively.

The new system will allow students to access digital textbooks and teaching materials via QR codes embedded in textbooks, which will be thoroughly screened to ensure content quality.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology plans to submit the bills on the matter during the ordinary Diet session in 2026.

The Central Council for Education said the option will provide a wider range of textbook choices, support learning suited to an increasingly digital society, and promote new and creative teaching methods.

However, some experts have expressed concerns that digital textbooks could place additional burdens on teachers and publishers and may lead to impaired eyesight and other health issues among students.