Education in Japan is said to be at a historical turning point now, and education administration and finance is not exceptional, facing significant reforms. On the other hand, the education administration and finance system has formed and maintained a highly distinct configuration in the postwar historical current. A perspective on the education administration and finance system is considered imperative upon putting thought into Japan’s education problems and their reforms in recent years. "Science of Educational Administration and Finance I" seeks learning of basic matters regarding subject science by specifically considering recent evolutions in education reforms and education policies. It discusses from a macro-policy viewpoint the education administration and finance system and education policymaking processes of State and autonomous bodies, as well as recent school reform debates and reform issues. In the succeeding "Science of Educational Administration and Finance II", reforms are discussed from a school management standpoint. Those who are interested are advised to look into the coursework II.