As part of its policy to support children and child-rearing families, the Democratic Party of Japan government is pushing the idea of integrating yochi-en (kindergartens), which are for the education of preschoolers, and hoiku-jo (day-care facilities for children).
The DPJ government aims to reduce the number of parents and children who must wait a long time before the children are accepted by preschool facilities, and to simplify related administrative matters.
Yochi-en are under the jurisdiction of the education ministry, while hoiku-jo are under the health and welfare ministry.