记者手记｜这是“最不合适的教材”——日本《防卫白皮书》进校园引担忧

Core Viewpoint - Japan's Ministry of Defense has sent children's versions of the 2025 Defense White Paper to approximately 2,400 elementary schools, raising concerns about the promotion of militaristic views among young students [1][2]. Group 1: Content of the Children's Defense White Paper - The children's version of the Defense White Paper emphasizes the necessity of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and the importance of deterrence to prevent war [1]. - It portrays neighboring countries as military threats, claiming that Japan's region is not safe [1]. - The document advocates for increased defense spending and the development of "counterstrike capabilities," such as cruise missiles, as essential for enhancing Japan's defense [1]. - It also highlights the SDF's role in disaster relief [1]. Group 2: Concerns from Experts and Society - Experts express that schools should promote values of respect, peace, and diversity, rather than instilling a sense of crisis and hostility [2]. - There are fears that this trend could foster a militaristic and hostile mindset among the younger generation [2]. - Historians argue that portraying neighboring countries as threats could lead to prejudice and diminish children's curiosity about those nations [2]. - The children's version of the Defense White Paper is criticized as an inappropriate educational tool that undermines historical understanding [2][3]. - Civil groups have requested the withdrawal of the children's version from schools, arguing that it is unacceptable to impose such views on children during their formative years [3].