Japan Press Weekly

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2014 June 18 - 24 [WELFARE]

DYLJ calls on Education Ministry to provide aid for students facing economic difficulties

The Democratic Youth League of Japan (DYLJ) Tokyo Committee on June 18 made a representation to the Education Ministry demanding the introduction of state measures to ease financial burdens on students.

DYLJ Tokyo Committee Chair Nishikawa Ryuhei and 11 students visited the ministry, and Japanese Communist Party member of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Yonekura Haruna accompanied them.

Based on a survey conducted by the DYLJ, Nishikawa said that many students are suffering from high tuition fees. He urged the ministry to provide free higher education, expand the quota of tuition exemption systems, introduce a tuition free program for students at public vocational schools which have many low-income students, and establish a grant-type scholarship program.

While avoiding giving a clear answer regarding free education at universities, an Education Ministry official showed a preferable stance on creating a tuition exemption system for vocational school students, increasing the number of university students exempted from paying fees, and providing interest-free education loans to students.