The government should let children start their nine-year mandatory education when they turn 5, one year earlier than the current system, according to a draft report drawn up by an advisory panel on education to Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori.
The report, which was released Wednesday by the panel on education reform, also wants the government to abolish the age limit preventing people from entering universities or colleges before they turn 18.
The report proposes that all people aged 18 be required in the future to take part in social activities, such as farming and cleaning, for a one-year period.