Article presents the long-term care insurance system in Ja­pan, its origins, current institutional shape and challenges. Author refers to both literature about the main topic, but also to some reflections and experiences from study visit to Japan for polish scholars and public officials. The goal of the study visit was to provide knowledge, understanding of Japanese long-term care system, but also practical inspira­tions for the analysis and public reforms of that field in Po­land. Thus, in the article there are several references to the problems and challenges of polish long-term care system. Author has tried to include legislative, economic and so­cial aspects of the Japanese policy concerning elderly care. Based on the analysis and conclusions, certain elements of the Japanese approach to elderly care may serve as a pos­itive point of reference for reforms of the long-term care system in Poland. Among the potential sources of inspira­tions, are: the long-term care social insurance framework, but also some other aspects – including long-term planning in old-age policy, measures of prevention of care needs and coordination of services.