Japan is becoming multiethnic and multicultural at a rapid pace due to an incoming stream of foreign workers. This means that the number of children in the school system who need instruction in the Japanese language is increasing. However, the Japanese educational system is not organized so that these children can receive an education wherein they can maintain their native cultures. In addition, the Japanese people have a strong tendency to expect foreigners to assume Japanese customs, which has a great effect on the identities of the children of foreign nationals. Education in schools could play a significant role in reforming the society to change these cultural expectations and to promote multicultural equality. The Japanese school system is currently under pressure to transform itself to adapt to new social and economic realities. Multicultural education and education in human rights will be very important in these reforms of schools and school culture.