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In 2024, the number of kindergartens in Japan exceeded , down by about compared to a decade ago. Among all types of kindergartens in Japan, private institutions accounted for nearly ** percent of the total number. 

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Kindergartens in Japan are considered educational facilities and fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). They offer educational programs based on the study guidelines established by MEXT according to the Basic Act on Education, most recently amended in 2006. Children aged three to five learn subjects such as sports, music, language, and math at kindergartens to accelerate physical and mental development and prepare for elementary school. All the staff has licenses to teach children under elementary school, which can be obtained by earning credits at tertiary schools like universities and junior colleges.

 Nursery care facilities

Nursery care facilities for children in Japan are regarded as welfare facilities and differentiated from kindergartens. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) regulates nursery facilities according to the Child Welfare Act. As the purpose of the facilities is to assist parents with child care and rearing, parents are required to be approved by municipalities to apply for enrollment. Based on the condition of the households, such as employment status, parents are entitled to leave children at the facilities for eight to 11 hours. Child care workers with licenses take care of children at the facilities, focusing mainly on providing basic nursing care rather than schooling.