Early childhood education provides the base for our start in life. The keynote speech entitled ‘Playing and Learning’ will be given by pioneer in the field, Prof. Ingrid Pramling Samuelsson of Gothenburg University, an expert on Swedish early education with its respect for human rights and equality. After the keynote, there will be a presentation to reveal more about early education and care in Sweden followed by an introductory presentation suggesting how Sweden’s ideas can be realized in Japan. A reception, to be held afterwards, will provide a valuable opportunity for all participants to communicate and exchange ideas.