An advisory panel to the Japanese government has called for sweeping reforms to the country's educational system to foster creativity and strengthen moral values.

The national commission on educational reform, in its final report to the prime minister, Yoshiro Mori, said the current system was outmoded and laid too much emphasis on conformity.

The panel headed by the Nobel Prize winning physicist, Reona Esaki, wants less rote learning and greater freedom for students to choose their own courses.

In response to a rise in truancy, classroom violence and juvenile crime, the report is recommending morals courses in schools and community service for students.

Mr Mori has vowed to draw up bills based on the report during the next session of parliament, which is set to convene in late January.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service