#Japan #Childcare Support #STUDIO ZERO #Inzai #Inzai City

Studio Zero and Inzai City's Childcare Initiatives

Studio Zero, a corporate venture by Plaid Inc. led by CEO Kenta Kurahashi, has recently collaborated with Inzai City, Chiba, to showcase innovative efforts in childcare support. This initiative introduces the administrative digital transformation service known as .Gov, aimed at improving municipality operations through a citizen-centered approach.

Overview of .Gov

The .Gov service is spearheaded by professionals, including former government officials and experts in business transformation and digital marketing. This unique combination of expertise aims to streamline and enhance administrative tasks and processes, particularly focusing on the user experience for citizens.

In this feature, we will delve into the collaborative efforts between Studio Zero and Inzai City's Health and Children's Department, particularly in the Childcare Support Division.



From left: Kazuki Kiyota (Inzai City Health and Children’s Department), Ryo Mitsuhashi (Inzai City Childcare Support Division)

Impact and Changes Observed

Upon implementing the .Gov service alongside the KARTE tool, Inzai City observed substantial improvements. Before the adoption, understanding user behaviors and needs was challenging, and content evaluations were uniform. However, after the integration, officials gained accurate insights into content engagement and user information-seeking behavior, which led to more rapid site improvements.

The tailored content delivery according to user profiles significantly enhanced the site’s usability and efficiency. As a result, there was a notable decrease in inquiries to the city hall, lightening the workload for staff. Furthermore, increased dissemination of information regarding city programs and events has likely led to higher engagement with childcare support services.

The administration received comprehensive support from .Gov in managing tools and data analysis, utilizing features like N1 analysis for user behavior assessment, helping them understand the intricate dynamics of user interactions.

Gathering Citizen Feedback

Although a clear process for collecting citizen feedback has not yet been fully established, web data analysis provides insights into user actions and needs. For instance, it was revealed that many parents access childcare allowance application information and nursery details late at night. This indicates a critical demand for accessible information from busy parents who may find time only after their children are asleep.

Inzai’s Key Childcare Initiatives

Inzai City prioritizes several initiatives, chief among which is the commitment to zero waiting lists for childcare services. Despite the increasing number of children, the municipality has managed to keep waiting lists non-existent, a feat that has earned them considerable commendation. Moreover, the establishment of 23 regional childcare support centers sets them apart from other local governments.

Economic support measures include the abolition of school lunch fees starting September 2024 and significant reductions in childcare fees for second and subsequent children, aimed at easing the financial burden on larger families.

Inzai City is actively working to incorporate children’s voices into policymaking, recently conducting workshops aimed at integrating feedback into the upcoming “Inzai City Child Plan,” set for March 2025. Moving forward, they aim to establish strong mechanisms to continuously integrate child opinions into all relevant initiatives, including park and community center development.

Community Appeal and Future Directions

The affordability of land in Inzai compared to urban areas is a significant attractor for families looking for spacious living conditions. The municipality's gradual population growth reflects its appeal, supported by its proximity to the airport.

Inzai City envisions becoming a place where families can live comfortably and conveniently, focusing on 24/7 access to information and assistance. They are committed to utilizing their website as well as various channels like LINE to ensure essential information is effectively communicated to residents.

Addressing Current Challenges

Even with significant advancements, challenges remain. The outdated content management system presents technical difficulties that hinder website enhancements. Furthermore, there is a need to better leverage the rich data on citizen behaviors to inform not just web enhancements, but also future childcare policies. Although previous AI initiatives saw limited success, there is still potential for future applications.

In closing, the combination of established childcare support with innovative digital solutions positions Inzai City as a forward-thinking leader in providing enhanced municipal services. Their commitment to advancing these initiatives further reflects their dedication to meeting the evolving needs of families in the community.