This paper describes the historical study on the Public Works Construction Procurement System (PWCPS) in Japan from the middle age through the modern era to present time. The study covers bridge engineering as well as general civil engineering works and comparative viewpoint between Japan and western countries is adopted for the consideration. PWCPS has been formed based on the system before the modern era and the base was developed by the execution of voluminous and constant railway construction works started at the beginning of the Meiji. PWCPS has progressed continuously under the influence of the business custom and the strong leadership of owners to produce the outstanding features.