The purpose of this thesis is to review media literacy research in Japan and clarify any unresolved issues. Media literacy research in Britain emphasizes promoting the critical thinking ability. On the other hand, media literacy research in Japan puts the emphasis on promoting the ability to communicate. The author studied media literacy research in Japan using the following three points: 1)Visual literacy research. First, the author compared the definitions of media literacy in Japan and Britain. In researching visual literacy, visual literacy was defined and the characteristics of its development were identified. 2) The development of a curriculum that promotes media literacy. Developing the new curriculum began in the 1980's.A curriculum that promotes media comprehension, technology and expression using media was developed. 3) Citizen's media literacy movements. The citizen's media literacy movements that began in the 1990's are still spreading. The following two problems were pointed out. 1) The media literacy promotion curriculum need to be introduced into more schools. 2) Any progress made in the development of media literacy needs to be studied.