This brief discussion and report of research considers aspects of culture and religion and their influence on young children in Japan and Israel. The discussion of Japan traces the development of early childhood education from the beginning of the modern era to 1985. The discussion of Israel briefly traces population characteristics and educational development. A study conducted in Israel, comparing educational environments of Arab preschool children with Jewish counterparts in kibbutzim and out, was continued in two urban, Japanese kindergartens and a day nursery. Findings indicated that Israeli Jewish children received more enrichment than Israeli Arab children did. Bedouin children were poorest. In Japan, findings suggested material, rather than cultural, prosperity, commual sleeping arrangements which restrict the development of independence and self-confidence among Japanese children, and excessive involvement of Japanese mothers with their children, due to extensive father absence during the working day. Most Japanese and many Israeli kibbutzim are non-religious, while most Arabs are quite religious. Some Japanese send their children to Christian kindergartens to insure a good education at a reputable school, but do not want their children to become Christians. While the number of parents in both nations who want their children to finish college is increasing, the trend is much stronger in Japan than in Israel. (RH)