#Japan #Parenting Support #Kobe #Bears

Bears Expands Home Support Services in Kobe

In a significant move to enhance parenting support in Japan, Bears, a well-established company known for its household assistance services, will start working with the city of Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture from April 1, 2026. Founded in October 1999, Bears has been addressing societal challenges related to parental support and has formed partnerships with a total of 27 municipal projects, confirming its commitment to family welfare across the nation.

Background of the Initiative

Bears has long recognized that household help significantly alleviates the burdens faced by families, particularly those with children. The company has developed services aimed at easing these pressures, including continuous employment support for parents. Its association with local governments is part of a broader initiative to elevate home support services as a vital infrastructure for daily living, especially in an age where traditional family structures and community ties are weakening.

Since 2023, the government’s “Basic Policy” has repeatedly acknowledged the importance of housework assistance in child-rearing support. Nonetheless, families often find it challenging to access adequate support during the prenatal and postnatal periods due to various societal changes, underlining the urgent need for effective childcare and household assistance services.

Details of the Newly Introduced Service

Starting April 1, 2026, the Pre- and Postnatal Home Help Service will be available in Kobe. This initiative is designed to support families who may struggle with household tasks and childcare due to health issues. The service allows for up to ten sessions before birth and twenty after birth, with each session lasting a maximum of two hours or, in cases that include outings, up to four hours across two visits in a day. The fees remain affordable at 1,600 yen, making it accessible for many families.

For specific details about this service, residents are encouraged to visit the official Kobe city website: Kobe City Prenatal and Postnatal Support.

Future Prospects

Bears is committed to enhancing the quality of its offerings, striving to maintain a stable system that guarantees superior services to its customers. The organization aims to provide not only reliable housekeeping support but also services characterized by safety, comfort, and convenience, creating a nurturing environment for families. By partnering with various institutions, Bears reaffirms its dedication to contributing to building a society where everyone can live as they envision.

Collaboration with Municipalities

Throughout its history, Bears has collaborated with numerous municipalities to implement various support initiatives aimed at enhancing family welfare and assistance:

• - Tokyo's Minato Ward: Prenatal and postnatal housekeeping and childcare assistance since February 2023.
• - Tachikawa, Shibuya, and Setagaya: Various childcare helper projects initiated from mid-2023.
• - Kawasaki: Starting December 2023, postpartum family support services will be offered.

By April 2026, the service in Kobe will be the second initiative in Hyogo Prefecture, following the successful implementation of similar programs in Takarazuka which started in May 2024.

About Bears

Company Overview

• - Name: Bears Co., Ltd.
• - CEO: Kenji Takahashi
• - Location: 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Hamacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0007
• - Founded: October 1999
• - Website: Happy Bears

Services Offered

Bears specializes in a variety of essential support services, including:

• - House Cleaning Services: House Cleaning
• - Kids & Babysitting Services: Kids Services
• - Cooking Services: Cooking Services
• - Assistance for Seniors: Senior Support

This recent initiative is indicative of Bears' ongoing commitment to fostering supportive environments for families and singles alike, demonstrating the company’s recognition of changing societal needs.