This document contains seven previously published papers examining trends in adult education in Japan. "Deepening Democracy" (1992) examines democracy and adult education for special needs groups (women, dropouts, disabled persons, ethnic minorities, and refugees). "Literacy Movement" (1990) traces literacy education in Japan from its beginnings with special emphasis on nongovernmental organization-sponsored activities. In "Education and Culture in the Multi-ethnic Society" (1992), the role, development, and problems of education in a multicultural society are discussed within the context of the structure of Japan's multiethnic society. "Cultural Development, Adult Education, and Local Communities" (1993) presents a global perspective on cultural values in the 1990s and considers adult education in relation to cultural development and social movement. "Future Strategies for Lifelong Learning as Consumption" (1995) suggests strategies for promoting lifelong learning in the 21st century. "Adult Education and Multimedia Society: Living and Learning" (1996) examines the effects of multimedia on business management, office work, lifestyle, and education and reviews Japan's national educational policy on multimedia technology. "Adult Education from Viewpoint of Development Industrial Countries of the Far East" (1993) concludes that adult education should consider not only economic development but also sustainable and cultural development. Fifteen tables/figures are included. Appended is an outline of the Central Council for Education's first report concerning a model for Japanese education in the perspective of the 21st Century "Giving Children Zest for Living and Room to Grow." (MN)