This document outlines the present preservice teacher education program in Japan and proposes some innovations. The basic concepts of education in Japan are listed and are said to be included in objectives of all teacher training programs. Several features of teacher education curricula are described, including the types of certificates available, the number of credits needed for various certificates, and a list of minimum teacher qualifications. The lack of courses on the nature of teaching and learning, and the overuse of the lecture method are discussed. Finally, 15 innovations needed in the overall preservice teacher education program are suggested. The document also contains tables showing the minimum number of credits required for each teaching certificate, a schematic of the overall program, and the organization of the content of the specialized field of chemistry. (TW)