Early childhood education in Japan, which consists of non-compulsory kindergarten and day nurseries, focuses on social studies by encouraging young children to develop sound minds and bodies. Although play is considered an important element, kindergarten is at times characterized by the stress associated with the rigid competition of entrance examinations for the higher grades of schooling. However, teachers are currently searching for teaching strategies in accordance with the developmental theories of Bruner, Hunt, and Piaget. The government provides financial aid for both public and private kindergartens and provides parent groups with well-organized home education classes. Social studies concentrates on health, society, nature, language, musical rhythm, and drawing and handwork. Goals of citizenship education include understanding the role of the family, duties to community and nation, the relationship between human beings and nature, and the importance of the history and culture of Japan. In comparison with the United States, the school day and the school term are longer, achievement in science and math is stressed, teaching is considered a prestigious profession, and the illiteracy rate is well below 1 percent. (KC)