The planned project aims to provide an intercultural comparison of the living and nursing conditions for older people requiring care in Germany and Japan in their own households, paying special attention to the role at the local level and of municipalities. Both countries are considered “pioneers” in the aging of the population and in the home care of people requiring long-term care. Home care dominates in both countries, with municipalities assuming key roles for caring responsibilities in both countries. The aim is not only an intercultural comparison of respective current situations in a socio-political problem area that dominates both countries, but also an exchange of experiences, and where necessary the adoption of appropriate reform proposals and cessations of others (“learning from each other”).