#Japan #Tokyo #Childcare #DYM #Kira Mama

Supporting Working Parents: Kira Mama Nursery

February 4 marks Pregnancy Day, a significant occasion to recognize and support the challenges faced by expectant mothers. To honor this day, DYM Corporation (a company with diverse business areas, including human resources, web services, and healthcare abroad) showcases how Kira Mama Nursery, its corporate childcare facility, is designed to help working parents.

Background of Kira Mama Nursery

Kira Mama Nursery was established in response to the increasing number of working mothers within the company, compounded by the lack of available spots in licensed daycare facilities. Many women faced delays in returning to work post-delivery. Recognizing this gap, DYM opted to create a corporate-led, unlicensed daycare to cultivate an environment where parents could balance both their careers and raising children seamlessly. By offering free childcare for employees and setting competitive prices for local families, Kira Mama Nursery aims to support those in the Shinagawa and Minato districts who struggle to juggle work and parenting duties.

Unique Features of Kira Mama Nursery

1. Simultaneous Attendance and Employment Support

One of the standout features of Kira Mama Nursery is its ability to support both parents working at the same time while ensuring their children are cared for. The nursery accepts not only full-time employees but also seeks part-time parents, allowing them to work at the head office or even as childcare staff if they hold the necessary qualifications. The proximity of the nursery to the head office enables this unique arrangement, a rarity among corporate daycare facilities.

2. Team-Based Childcare without Designated Caregivers

Rather than assigning specific caregivers to children, Kira Mama Nursery employs a team-based approach. The nursery head creates a rotational schedule for staff, allowing different caregivers to interact with the children daily. For infants, this is limited to weekly rotations to foster attachment. This system ensures that all caregivers are familiar with every child, providing peace of mind for parents who appreciate that staff can provide updates on their child's day regardless of who is present.

3. Child-Centered Care in a Small Group Setting

Kira Mama Nursery operates with a maximum capacity of 19 children, enabling adaptable childcare that meets each child's age and emotional needs. Activities are adjusted based on the children's moods and developmental stages, promoting independence and allowing them to express their preferences in how they'd like to spend their time.

Feedback from Parents

Parents have shared their positive experiences at Kira Mama Nursery:

• - One parent expressed their gratitude for the supportive staff, remarking that their son eagerly looks forward to attending each day. Engaging events that allow both parents and children to participate have made them feel involved and beneficial to their unique family dynamic.
• - Another parent highlighted the advantage of having multiple caregivers, noting that their child easily connects with all staff members, creating a supportive community atmosphere. The delicious, nutritious meals prepared on-site have also fostered healthy eating habits, enriching the children's nutrition and dining experience.

Insights from Director Kamiyama

Director Kamiyama envisions Kira Mama Nursery as a warm and welcoming environment where children feel at home. Despite being located in a building, the nursery frequently takes walks to the nearby temple and park. With large windows that allow sunlight to fill the space, children enjoy a cozy and uplifting atmosphere year-round. The nursery offers virtual tours and consultations via Zoom for interested families.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, plans are in place to offer care for sick children, ensuring their safety until caregivers can pick them up. Kira Mama Nursery remains committed to being a place where families want to be and nurturing environments where their caring staff can support working parents.

Kira Mama Nursery Overview

• - Type: Corporate-led childcare facility
• - Established: July 2019
• - Address: 4-7-20 Higashi Gotanda, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 141-0022, Japan (Aioi Building, 5th Floor)
• - Capacity & Age Range: 19 children, starting from 6 months (age of entry can be discussed)
• - Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM (extended care until 7:00 PM)
• - Website: Kira Mama Nursery

About DYM Corporation

• - Name: DYM Corporation
• - President: Yuki Mizutani
• - Established: August 2003
• - Capital: 500 million yen
• - Revenue: 25.8 billion yen (FY 2021), 32.46 billion yen (FY 2022)
• - Headquarters: 1-11-2, Gate City Osaki, East Tower, 10th Floor, Osaki, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 141-0032, Japan
• - Employees: 2,744 (as of April 1, 2025)
• - Business Areas: Web services, human resources, training, executive support, overseas healthcare, M&A, etc.
• - Website: DYM Corporation

This initiative exemplifies how corporate entities can play a vital role in alleviating some of the burdens on working families, ensuring that the journey of parenthood can be balanced and fulfilling.