Parenting Manga Project
2026-05-29 11:20:15

Share Your Parenting Stories: Tokyo's Manga Project for Supporting Working Parents

Tokyo is making significant strides in reworking how we think about parenting in the workplace. In an effort to transition the perception of parenting from a 'break' to an essential 'job', the city is launching a call for heartfelt stories related to 'Ikugyo', a concept promoting parental involvement as a communal responsibility. This initiative encourages stories showcasing gratitude towards colleagues and superiors who have supported parenting efforts, aligning perfectly with the ongoing trends wherein 61.2% of men in Tokyo engaged in child-rearing practices last year, reflecting a steady increase in 'Ikugyo' participation.

Share Your Parenting Journey


The application period for sharing these stories runs from May 29 to July 10, 2023, and is open to individuals living or working in Tokyo. Contributors are invited to submit their personal experiences of parenting, especially focusing on messages of appreciation for the support received from co-workers and managers or insights gained during their parenting journeys. The stories will be reviewed by a selection committee as well as through internet voting, establishing a participatory approach.

Prizes for Selected Stories


A total of 10 stories selected by a committee will receive a prize of 3,000 yen in Amazon gift cards. Additionally, four stories chosen from internet votes will be awarded commemorative trophies and a printed booklet containing their story and the manga created based on it. This is a unique opportunity to not only celebrate personal experiences but also contribute to a broader dialogue about working parents’ needs and the importance of community support.

The Vision Behind the Project


This manga project is part of the '2050 Tokyo Strategy', which aims to enhance Parenting with two key pillars: promoting policies that consider children's perspectives and creating a conducive environment for child-rearing. By harnessing creativity through manga, Tokyo aims to inspire others to share and support parenting stories, ultimately leading to a more inclusive workplace atmosphere that actively participates in the parenting journey of its employees.

The Creative Process


The stories chosen through this initiative will transform into engaging manga illustrations, with necessary edits for clarity and impact. The manga will serve as a tool for societal awareness, spreading messages of gratitude and appreciation while encouraging others within the workplace to become advocates for a child's upbringing beyond just traditional norms.

How to Participate


Those interested in sharing their episodes can visit the official website and follow the provided guidelines to submit their entries. Don't miss this chance to make a difference in how parenting is perceived in your workplace and join a community that acknowledges and celebrates the hard work of parents.

For more information and to submit your story, visit: https://kodomo-smile.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/st/ikugyo-thankyouepisode/



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Topics People & Culture)

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