The Japanese educational system is admired and envied for its success in providing a well-educated population and contributing to the spectacular post-War industrialisation and modernisation of the nation. It is also criticised for inhibiting creativity and spontaneity, seen as crucial talents in the forthcoming information age. Moving Mountains is based on two propositions: that the educational system is undergoing a number of changes, despite charges to the contrary, and that there is a conflict between the rhetoric of the National Council on Education Reform undertaken by Prime Minister Nakasone (1982-1987) and its emphasis on issues like internationalism vis-á-vis the national and economic needs as defined by the politicians.