Partnership Announcement: Tobu Railway and Asuiku
On October 10, 2023, Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. and Asuiku Co., Ltd. announced their collaboration to support the well-being of families with young children. Asuiku, known for its temporary childcare search and reservation service, has teamed up with Tobu Railway to launch a vocational experience program for preschoolers. This initiative aims to offer unique experiences at iconic locations including Tobu's railway stations and the Tokyo Skytree.
Innovative Childcare Experience
The planned program will commence on November 8, 2025, with a hands-on vocational experience for children aged 4 to 6 at the North Senju Station. It combines temporary childcare services with work experience opportunities. Children will have the chance to engage in various activities such as:
1.
Tobu Railway: Assisting with boarding guidance at the express train platforms.
2.
Tobu Tower Skytree: Participating in customer farewell experiences.
3.
Tobu Zoo Park: Gaining behind-the-scenes knowledge related to the care of white tigers.
4.
Tobu Museum: Riding vehicles that are typically not open to the public.
5.
Tobu Bus Central: Experiencing what it's like to be a bus driver.
With this initiative, Tobu Railway aims to leverage their diverse range of attractions to provide enriching experiences for young children, thereby creating a coveted childcare environment that supports parents amid the growing challenges of work-life balance.
Addressing Social Challenges
The increasing number of dual-income households and a decline in community connections have led to greater isolation and stress for parenting families. Historically, existing temporary childcare services have seen low utilization rates due to the psychological burden of using these services and the complexity involved in making reservations.
The collaborative program seeks to address these issues by offering a childcare service that prioritizes enjoyable experiences for children, enabling parents to feel more comfortable leaving their children in trusted care. It also aims to create critical moments of respite for parents amidst their busy schedules.
Supporting Open Innovation
This partnership is part of the