The purpose of this paper is to analyze the concept of International Understanding (Kokusai Rikai) in Educationfor International Understanding in Japan, and to identify its meanings and new approaches toward curriculum andlesson plan development.For this purpose, the author focused on the following two points.First, the author identified the meanings of “International" from the point of view of the international society, itsthe countries it consists of, and the relationship between the individual and its their country. Second, the author hasanalyzed the importance of Education for International Understanding and the nature of related issues through theexamination of the policies of UNESCO and Japanese Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and the historicaldevelopment of Education for International Understanding.