Abstract
Caring for dying children and their families is one of the most difficult and challenging aspects of professional nursing. An analysis of cultural influences provides insight into the diverse worldviews held by people in Japan and the United States that affect nursing care of dying children. Selected cultural aspects that influence behaviors in Japanese and American cultures are reviewed in this article. Characteristics of support models for dying children and their families established in Western cultures are discussed. This cross-cultural review of prevalent sociocultural influences on the care of dying children and their families in Japan and the United States clearly demonstrates numerous contrasts and parallels.