Abstract: The foster care system in Japan has began since 1948. After World War II, with the end of the project of protecting warvictimized children, it went into recession. After 1990s, influenced by the double pressures of international emphasis on childrens rights and children abuse becoming a social problem in Japan, the Japanese government established the priority principle of foster care when implementing social care for children who are in need of protection. There are four types of foster families. The main body of its implementation is composed of prefectures, childrens welfare centers and various support institutions. In recent years, although the foster care entrustment rate in Japan has increased steadily, the progress is still slow. In the process of actual implementation, there are some problems, such as low popularity, confusion with “adoption”, low intention to become foster families and insufficient foster families. Therefore, the Japanese government has proposed solutions from the aspects of reforming the system, expanding publicity and improving support.

Key words: foster care system, foster families, aid-requiring children, children's welfare, social nurturing