This study examined the contents of Japanese new art textbooks which will be used in Japanese primary schools in 2002 and suggested a curriculum planning as reference to developing educational materials and organizing the contents of Korean art textbooks which is based on the 7th Korean National Art Curriculum. This study included 1) the understanding on the basic principles and characteristics of the 7th Korean National Art Curriculum for the curriculum planning, 2)the analysis on the curriculum development of the new Japanese National Art Curriculum in its direction for improvement, 3)the analysis on the contents of the Japanese new art textbooks in its appropriateness, educational effects, its systematic formation in expression and its printing and binding condition. According to the study, it is examines that the layout of the new Japanese art textbooks is more lively than the that of old ones, and shows coordinated contents in order for students to understand easily. And the contents are focused on the students spontaneous activities and considered regional characteristics for familiarity. In addition, the understanding of the international relationships and multi-culture, enironmental conditions, cultural treasures, the human rights are emphasized and focused in new Japanese art textbooks, In Japan. there are more than on textbooks and various kinds of reference materials developed and published for the primary schools to offer its own characteristics. These are included in the forms of video tapes, CD-ROMs, quarterly magazines which will be provided to the art teachers in order to lead successful instruction. In Korea, the government just offer National art textbooks for students and National teacher resource books for the lack of educational budget. Considering the enormous influence and effect of textbooks, alternative plans will be studied for the improvement of Korea art education.