Since the kindergartens of Korean schools in Japan were excluded from the "program" application last year, officials of Chongryon and Koreans in Japan have waged a struggle for demanding the early settlement of the issue as well as solidarity activities with Japanese local self-governing bodies.

As a result, the presidium of Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, Assembly of Japan adopted a "petition for steps helping the kindergartens of foreigners' schools" on June 26.

Meanwhile, the authorities of Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, in June presented to the government a letter of request urging measures for supporting all infant education and childcare facilities including foreigners' schools.