The Ad Hoc Council on Educational Reform pointed out in 1987 that Japanese education must prepare for the ever-increasing information needs of the future, and in 1988, a proposal for the development of information networks was published by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture. This proposal recommended the utilization of a wide range of media in support of lifelong learning activities and the establishment of such systems in various localities. Three models for information dissemination using personal computer communications (at the school, regional, and national levels) are described in the first section of this document. The remaining four sections describe currently-existing information networks throughout the country, including: (1) the Audiovisual Public Board (AV-PUB) System, a telecommunications system comprised of a database on audiovisual materials and a bulletin board for exchanging information related to audiovisual education; (2) commercial computer networks throughout Japan (used primarily by teachers, boards of education, and researchers); (3) computer networks established by local boards of education and similar organizations; and (4) the Academic Information Center System, which provides online databases and an electronic mail service for universities and research institutions throughout Japan. Fifteen figures are included in this document. (GL)