Oarai Town Launches Happy Gift Program for New Parents

In a heartwarming initiative to support families, Oarai Town, in collaboration with Pal System Ibaraki Tochigi, has announced the launch of the Happy Gift Program starting February 2. This program aims to assist families with infants by providing a selection of useful childcare products right at their doorstep.

The partnership between Pal System, a prominent consumer cooperative, and Oarai Town was formalized through an agreement signed on January 5, 2026. This agreement builds on their previously established collaboration from October 2013, which focused on safety measures in the community. From now on, the welfare of children and support for parenting will be an integral part of their joint efforts.

As part of the Happy Gift initiative, staff from the town will visit households with newborns to deliver the gift packages, which consist of essential items that can be used by new parents. The gifts, known as the Happy Gift Present, include products such as baby soap, wipes, and a guidebook for starting baby food. This unique offering aims to celebrate the arrival of new families in Oarai while providing them with valuable resources for nurturing their children.

“Our mission is to support all families in need of childcare assistance,” said Yoshiyo Aoki, the chairperson of Pal System Ibaraki Tochigi. “The Happy Gift Program reflects our commitment to strengthening community ties and ensuring that every child receives the best start in life.”

The packages are not just limited to baby care essentials. They will also include information about various parenting support organizations and consultation resources available in the region. By collaborating with local administrative bodies and cooperatives, the initiative aims to create a nurturing environment where families can raise their children with confidence.

By embracing the power of community, Oarai Town and Pal System Ibaraki Tochigi are expanding this cooperative effort to support parenting across 20 municipalities, promoting a county-wide culture of child-rearing support.

Detailed Information on Happy Gift Products

The Happy Gift Present includes a variety of thoughtful items tailored for new parents:

- YUMYUM Baby Soap (250ml)
- YUMYUM Baby Wipes (80 sheets)
- Baby Food Introduction Book
- Canned Tuna Flakes (Oil-Free, 50g x3)
- CO-OP Children's Barley Tea (100ml x3)
- Hotcake Mix (200g x2, made from locally sourced wheat)
- Spaghetti (500g)

Blog on the Role of Consumer Cooperatives in Community Support

Pal System visits Oarai Town weekly for deliveries, functioning as a vital community resource. They not only provide essential products but also organize parenting-related events and run a unique website, Childcare 123, which offers valuable advice and resources for parents. These initiatives leverage cooperative strength to foster connections and community support among families.

Pal System Ibaraki Tochigi strives to remain a proactive entity in communication around childcare while collaborating with various stakeholders to create a secure and nurturing community environment. Their ongoing commitment ensures that all children in the region can thrive and grow healthily.

About Pal System Ibaraki Tochigi:

- Headquarters: 2-1-39 Umeoka, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Chairperson: Yoshiyo Aoki
- Total Assets: ¥70.9 billion
- Membership: 141,000 members
- Total Revenue: ¥183.4 billion (as of March 2025)
- Visit our Website for more information.

Pal System also collaborates with a network of cooperatives throughout Japan, enhancing the reach of their community-focused programs. Together, they form a robust network dedicated to supporting families and ensuring every child has the chance to flourish.