Online Maternal and Pediatric Healthcare Service Launched in Shirataka Town, Yamagata Prefecture
In a significant stride towards improving healthcare access, Shirataka Town in Yamagata Prefecture has partnered with Kids Public, a company based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, to officially implement its 'Online Maternal and Pediatric Healthcare' service starting April 1, 2026. This innovative online platform aims to offer residents easy and direct access to consultations with over 250 qualified pediatricians, obstetricians, and midwives, available 24/7 year-round.
Having already undergone a trial phase since September 16, 2025, the service received positive feedback from local residents, which paved the way for its full implementation. This initiative is critical as Shirataka Town currently lacks dedicated obstetric and pediatric medical facilities, with the only gynecological services offered twice weekly at the town hospital. This limited access highlighted the need for a more robust healthcare support system for expectant mothers, children, and families.
The introduction of 'Online Maternal and Pediatric Healthcare' is part of a broader strategy to establish a seamless support system for all pregnant women, children, and parenting households. The town also has a 'Children's Family Center' that acts as a one-stop support hub, delivering face-to-face assistance, including home visits. However, the rising demand for immediate consultations—18.5% of residents expressed the desire for more robust maternal and pediatric care options—led to the initial trial and subsequent full rollout of the online service.
By leveraging this online healthcare platform, the townspeople can now easily seek advice for various concerns that previously required in-person visits, particularly during hours when local facilities are unavailable. From preconception care to pregnancy, infertility, and menopause issues, consultations can now occur at any time, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of security among women.
In coordination with existing face-to-face support services, this initiative aims to tackle local health challenges while promoting ICT (Information and Communication Technology) utilization in maternal and child healthcare. Shirataka Town is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of its residents, aligning with their vision of a supportive environment for families and children.
Some specific features of the 'Online Maternal and Pediatric Healthcare' service include:
Officials from Shirataka Town expressed optimism about this new service, emphasizing the importance of having reliable healthcare sources readily available. They hope that by reducing barriers to accessing professional medical advice, families will experience greater peace of mind and support throughout their child-rearing journey.
Located in central Japan, Shirataka Town is known for the Mogami River that flows through it and its significant dairy production. The town prides itself on its agricultural roots and its status as a haven for traditional edohigan cherry blossoms that are over 500 years old, earning the nickname 'Home of Classical Cherry Blossoms.'
Moreover, the local government is dedicated to enhancing community involvement in childcare, aspiring to create a supportive atmosphere where children and families can thrive together. With the implementation of the 'Online Maternal and Pediatric Healthcare' service, it is hoped that Shirataka will continue to evolve into a community that prioritizes health and happiness for all families.
Kids Public was founded in 2015 by pediatrician Naoya Hashimoto and started offering online consultations in 2016. Since then, the company has expanded to include not only pediatric services but also maternal care, successfully receiving over 300,000 consultation inquiries across various municipalities. Their commitment to research and development in online healthcare exemplifies their dedication to improving the lives of families across Japan.
For more details about Kids Public, visit their website at Kids Public.
Having already undergone a trial phase since September 16, 2025, the service received positive feedback from local residents, which paved the way for its full implementation. This initiative is critical as Shirataka Town currently lacks dedicated obstetric and pediatric medical facilities, with the only gynecological services offered twice weekly at the town hospital. This limited access highlighted the need for a more robust healthcare support system for expectant mothers, children, and families.
The introduction of 'Online Maternal and Pediatric Healthcare' is part of a broader strategy to establish a seamless support system for all pregnant women, children, and parenting households. The town also has a 'Children's Family Center' that acts as a one-stop support hub, delivering face-to-face assistance, including home visits. However, the rising demand for immediate consultations—18.5% of residents expressed the desire for more robust maternal and pediatric care options—led to the initial trial and subsequent full rollout of the online service.
By leveraging this online healthcare platform, the townspeople can now easily seek advice for various concerns that previously required in-person visits, particularly during hours when local facilities are unavailable. From preconception care to pregnancy, infertility, and menopause issues, consultations can now occur at any time, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of security among women.
In coordination with existing face-to-face support services, this initiative aims to tackle local health challenges while promoting ICT (Information and Communication Technology) utilization in maternal and child healthcare. Shirataka Town is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of its residents, aligning with their vision of a supportive environment for families and children.
Some specific features of the 'Online Maternal and Pediatric Healthcare' service include:
- - 24/7 Consultations: Residents can submit their inquiries via text anytime, receiving responses from healthcare professionals.
- - Nighttime Consultations: Available Monday to Friday from 6 PM to 10 PM, residents can book a 10-minute consultation through LINE, either via text chat or video call, with bookings open until 15 minutes before the consultation starts.
- - Daytime Midwifery Support: From 1 PM to 5 PM on weekdays, residents can consult with midwives without prior reservation through LINE.
- - Consultation Search Functionality: Residents can search previous inquiries and the corresponding responses from healthcare professionals, promoting an informed consultation process.
Officials from Shirataka Town expressed optimism about this new service, emphasizing the importance of having reliable healthcare sources readily available. They hope that by reducing barriers to accessing professional medical advice, families will experience greater peace of mind and support throughout their child-rearing journey.
Located in central Japan, Shirataka Town is known for the Mogami River that flows through it and its significant dairy production. The town prides itself on its agricultural roots and its status as a haven for traditional edohigan cherry blossoms that are over 500 years old, earning the nickname 'Home of Classical Cherry Blossoms.'
Moreover, the local government is dedicated to enhancing community involvement in childcare, aspiring to create a supportive atmosphere where children and families can thrive together. With the implementation of the 'Online Maternal and Pediatric Healthcare' service, it is hoped that Shirataka will continue to evolve into a community that prioritizes health and happiness for all families.
Kids Public was founded in 2015 by pediatrician Naoya Hashimoto and started offering online consultations in 2016. Since then, the company has expanded to include not only pediatric services but also maternal care, successfully receiving over 300,000 consultation inquiries across various municipalities. Their commitment to research and development in online healthcare exemplifies their dedication to improving the lives of families across Japan.
For more details about Kids Public, visit their website at Kids Public.
Topics Health）
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