Abstract

Japan’s revised Early Childhood Education Curriculum was officially enacted and implemented in 2018, reflecting a long-term strategic orientation toward human development and responsiveness to emerging societal needs. This reform constitutes a key component of the Japanese government’s broader agenda for comprehensive educational reform. As part of this initiative, a new child support and childcare system was introduced with the engagement of multiple social stakeholders to strengthen child-rearing support in both quantitative and qualitative aspects. Nevertheless, the program continues to encounter several challenges, including the complexity of registration procedures, concerns over long-term financial sustainability, the maintenance of quality and safety standards across childcare institutions, and the need to promote shifts in public perceptions regarding shared responsibility for childcare and child-rearing.

Keywords: Preschool education, education reform, nursery, kindergarten, holistic education, childcare.