Abstract:

Upon the publication of Education System Order in 1872 after the Meiji Restoration, a modern education system has been accepted in Japan. Human factor lies behind the foundations of the education understanding of the Japanese. They have already comprehended that especially the babyhood is of importance as it determines the character. The aim of the study is presentation of adopted system for preschool education in Japan. In Japan, it is possible to mention a binary system of early childhood education and care and these two systems are parallel to each other. The system is divided into two with day care centres from the birth to the age of six and the kindergarten education from the age of three to six. While the child care field under the body of day care centres is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) is responsible for the kindergartens. Nowadays; a large portion of the pre-school education takes place in private schools. Development of characteristics such as mental development, self-sufficiency and recognition of others in children are encouraged via plays