education system already had strong emphasis on national pride + importance of Japanese traditions. also stressed Shinto Beliefs, loyalty to the emperor, and the community over the individual. Govt continued to strengthen their control of Japan thru education

1937 Ministry of education published document Fundamentals of our national policy used it as a basis for Japans education system.

  • document was distributed to officials and educators was intended to guide teachers in calculating Japanese traditional ethics in their students.

Japanese curriculum sought to instil sense of patriotism in young Japanese and was centred on ultranationalist and militarist ideals.

  • also contained large amounts of physical exercise, military style drilling and technical lessons designed to prepare youths for war