Japan’s Third Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education sets out the goals for the entire education system in the period 2018-22, and defines a comprehensive approach to policy implementation. Its overarching aim is to ensure that the education system prepares learners for the world of 2030. As such, there is a focus on developing the skills required for the knowledge economy though the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) and problem solving into learning, as well as promoting lifelong learning and enabling learners to adapt to changes in the labour market. The plan builds on the success of the first and second basic plans for education, which include improving standardised test scores in lower-performing regions, implementing individualised learning and support plans for students with special educational needs (SEN), and reducing the cost of ECEC for low-income families. Outstanding issues from the previous two basic plans were taken into account when setting goals for the current plan. Key measures include strengthening school-community partnerships and reforming school leadership to allow teachers to focus their energy on teaching and to maintain Japan’s holistic approach to education with support from the community. There is also a focus on promoting collaboration between schools, and between the different services that sustain the well-being of learners. The implementation process involves systematically setting goals for education policies, developing indicators to monitor progress, and identifying measures to achieve these goals. Measures and goals of the Plan are refined on a continuous basis. Many activities are carried out by local actors, and local governments are encouraged to develop distinctive goals and measures based on their context.