Kids Public Launches Online Obstetrics and Pediatrics Service in Choshi City

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Kids Public Corporation, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has partnered with Choshi City, led by Mayor Yasukazu Miyauchi, to officially launch the 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online' service on August 1, 2026. This initiative aims to provide accessible medical consultations for the residents of Choshi City through a robust digital platform.

The 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online' service operates around the clock, connecting users with a network of over 250 pediatricians, obstetricians, and midwives. This innovative platform will enable parents to seek medical advice conveniently through their smartphones, fostering a supportive environment for pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing.

Background of the 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online' Service Implementation

Choshi City has a longstanding commitment to ensuring seamless support for pregnant individuals and families with young children. Addressing the concerns of child-rearing households, the city has emphasized the need for improved support systems, particularly for reducing anxiety and preventing social isolation among parents. Recognizing the potential of digital technologies to enhance parenting support, the city initiated a trial period for the 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online' service in November 2025.

Feedback collected during the trial phase indicated strong support among residents, with 88.9% stating that they felt the service would positively impact their perception of the city's maternity, childbirth, and childcare support initiatives. Furthermore, an impressive 94.4% expressed interest in the continuation of the service. Users highlighted the platform's practical benefits, such as the ability to consult experts when uncertain about seeking in-person care and finding trustworthy information amidst a sea of online content.

With the full launch in August 2026, Choshi City aims to establish a robust, continuous support system for consultations related to pregnancy and child-rearing, ultimately contributing to a positive environment where families feel secure and supported in their parenting journey.

About Choshi City

Located in the northeastern part of Chiba Prefecture, Choshi City is blessed with both the beauty of the abundant greenery in its northern regions and the picturesque coastline of Kujukuri Beach in the south. Known for being one of Japan's top producers of ornamental plants, Choshi City showcases remarkable horticultural techniques and vibrant seasonal landscapes.

In its efforts to integrate maternal and child health services, the city has established the 'Child and Family Center,' where specialized professionals provide continuity of care from pregnancy through early childhood. Additionally, Choshi City offers economic support such as maternity grants and operates community gathering spaces for exchanging parenting information, thereby fostering an environment conducive to the healthy growth of children.

Services Offered Through 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online'

Residents of Choshi City will be able to utilize the 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online' service without charge, allowing consultations with pediatricians, obstetricians, and midwives online. The platform accommodates consultations regarding women's health from male partners as well.

- Consultations Anytime: Available 24/7, users can send messages through a website form and receive responses from medical professionals within 24 hours.
- Evening Consultations: Scheduled from 6 PM to 10 PM on weekdays, parents can consult healthcare providers for ten minutes via text chat or video call.
- Daytime Midwife Consultations: From 1 PM to 5 PM on weekdays, parents can engage in chat sessions with midwives without a prior appointment.
- Consultation Database: Users can search through over 40,000 consultation cases to find previous inquiries similar to their concerns, enhancing the reliability of the information provided.

Commentary from Mayor Yasukazu Miyauchi

Mayor Yasukazu Miyauchi emphasized the importance of creating an environment where families can consult experts whenever necessary. The launch of 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online' aims to provide a flexible and accessible approach to tackling concerns related to child health, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting regardless of time and location. The city remains committed to fostering initiatives that ensure a nurturing environment for childbirth and child-rearing, always focusing on support that resonates with the needs of its residents.

About Kids Public

Founded in 2015 by pediatrician Naoya Hashimoto, Kids Public has pioneered the online health consultation sector with the launch of 'Pediatric Online' in May 2016. After welcoming obstetrician Daisuke Shigemune in 2017, they expanded their offerings to include 'Obstetrics Online' in the following year and typified their commitment to maternal and child health with the launch of midwife consultations in 2023. To date, the company has documented over 300,000 consultations, drawing on a diverse team of more than 250 pediatricians, obstetricians, and midwives. Their range of services includes 24/7 chat opportunities, night consultations via video calls, and a search function for past inquiries, reflecting Kids Public’s dedication to using ICT to create a seamless support structure from pregnancy through early childhood.