#Japan #Tokyo #Unifa #Lookmee #Childcare Award

Unifa Supports the Child-Centered Care Initiative for 2026

Unifa Co., Ltd., based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is proud to announce its support for the 'Child Development Support Award 2026', organized by Benesse Style Care Group. This initiative aims to promote child-centered childcare practices across kindergartens, daycare centers, and accredited early childhood education centers nationwide.

At the forefront of this initiative is Unifa's technology, specifically the Care AI™, designed to address societal challenges surrounding childcare and education. This partnership not only highlights Unifa's commitment to raising the standards of care but also shapes a future where children's needs are at the core of educational practices.

Background for Support

The ouline of 'Child-Centered Implementation Plan 2026', announced by the Children and Families Agency, emphasizes the importance of enabling children to connect with their environment in a way that enhances their wellbeing and supports self-directed choices. Unifa’s Lookmee, a comprehensive ICT service for childcare, has worked tirelessly to enhance care quality through effective documentation and support initiatives. Events like the 'Future of Care Conference' and 'Lookmee Future Care School' exemplify Unifa’s dedication to childcare improvement.

Through these platforms, Lookmee has maintained an open dialogue with numerous childcare facilities, allowing them to share successful practices that enhance children’s growth. It is through this lens that Unifa resonated with the mission of the Award, further reiterating its commitment to fostering a culture where children's developmental experiences and educators' observations play a pivotal role in the learning journey.

About the Child Development Support Award 2026

This award, first initiated in 2026, aims to reduce the operational burdens on educators while enhancing the quality of care. It invites submissions from childcare facilities across Japan, showcasing real-life examples where educators connected with children through various activities. The documentation for these narratives can consist of 3 to 5 days' worth of daily records, capturing moments that moved educators' hearts.

The award process will not just celebrate excellent care practices, but also involve expert perspectives to refine the documentation and dialogue processes. By sharing best practices across the country, this initiative aims to elevate the quality of childcare and foster a society that embraces child-centered education culture.

Submission Details

• - Application Period: August 10, 2026 - October 15, 2026 (by 5:00 PM)
• - Eligibility: Kindergartens, daycare centers, accredited early childhood education centers, and other institutions serving infants and toddlers within Japan.
• - Content: Proposal of activities with a focus on children's growth (3-5 days of documentation).

For further details and application guidelines, visit: Child Development Support Award 2026

Lookmee's Upcoming Future Care Conference

In addition to the award initiative, Unifa is hosting a free online seminar series, 'Future of Care Conference', which expects to engage over 45,000 participants, creating a discourse around the theme 'Towards a New Turning Point: The Future of Care and Children’s Education'. This year, the conference, running from September to November, aims to discuss the evolving guidelines in childcare and the importance of being proactive as the sector undergoes transformation.

Seminar Overview

• - Title: Towards a New Turning Point: The Future of Care and Children’s Education
• - Duration: September to November 2026 across multiple sessions
• - Audience: Childcare providers, institutions operating childcare facilities, students aspiring to work in childcare
• - Cost: Free
• - Format: Online (via Zoom)

To check detailed session information and registration, please visit: Future of Care Conference

About Lookmee and Unifa

Lookmee is a comprehensive childcare ICT service that alleviates the administrative burdens faced by educators. It automates data collection on attendance, meal times, and sleep patterns, seamlessly transferring this info into logs and reports, promoting efficiency in day-to-day operations. Through its innovative design, it redirects focus back to the children, fostering deeper connections between educators and their students.

Unifa Co., Ltd., a leading startup in the 'Childcare-Tech' sector, aims to tackle social challenges related to childcare, providing solutions that create a nurturing environment where families can thrive. Its continued recognition, including being awarded at the Startup World Cup and the Japan Startup Awards, reflects its commitment to enhancing the future of childcare and education.

Company Name: Unifa Co., Ltd.
CEO: Yasuyuki Toki
Established: 2013
Location: 2-17-3 Nagatacho, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Company URL: Unifa