#Japan #Shibata #Shibata市 #パルシステム #子育て支援

New Partnership for Childcare Support in Shibata

On December 12, 2023, a groundbreaking agreement was signed between the Niigata Tokimeki Cooperative and the city of Shibata, led by Mayor Kaoru Nikaido. This partnership focuses on enhancing childcare support, marking a historic collaboration in the region. Effective from January 5, 2026, the initiative will provide families with essential childcare items through a special package called "Omedetou Bako."

The Omedetou Bako Initiative

The program aims to create an environment where all families can access necessary childcare resources. By leveraging the existing delivery network of the cooperative, the plan intends to effectively execute Shibata's childcare support measures. As part of the initiative, the city will distribute information cards about Omedetou Bako to families attending infant health check-ups.

Families eager to receive the package will simply scan the QR code on this card to apply for a curated selection of essential childcare products. Items included in the package range from baby soap and wipes to recipe books for making baby food, as well as nutritious ingredients like salt-free tuna and dashi packs.

Celebrating the Partnership

During the signing ceremony at Shibata City Hall, both Nikaido and Tokimeki Chairman Etsuko Seno expressed their commitment to the growth and well-being of the region's children. Seno emphasized the role of the cooperative in supporting local families, stating, "We will continue to develop support tailored to our community, nurturing the next generation with care and collaboration."

The Role of the Cooperative

Instead of the city delivering the packages, the cooperative takes on this responsibility, ensuring items reach families directly at their homes. This method not only supplies the necessary products but also positions the cooperative as a supportive entity within the community. Each Omedetou Bako will come with a guidebook that contains vital information about childcare centers, health services, and financial aid options available to families, along with schedules for parenting events and workshops.

Contents of Omedetou Bako

• - YUMYUM Baby Soap (250ml)
• - YUMYUM Wipes (80 sheets x 3)
• - First Steps Baby Food Recipe Book
• - Dashi Pack (8g x 20)
• - Salt-free Tuna Flakes (70g x 3)
• - Hot Cake Mix from Direct Producers
• - Carrot and Fruit Juice (100ml x 3)

Strengthening Community Bonds

The Niigata Tokimeki Cooperative visits various neighborhoods in Shibata weekly to deliver products, ensuring they remain closely connected to the community. They not only provide childcare products but also deliver vital information regarding parenting-related meetups, workshops, and resources, harnessing the power of cooperation to support families.

As 2025 marks the United Nations-designated International Year of Cooperatives, Niigata Tokimeki Cooperative aims to actively disseminate information about childcare and collaborate with various stakeholders, striving to build a community where every family can raise their children with confidence and security.

About Niigata Tokimeki Cooperative

• - Location: 303-8 Yamada, Nishi Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
• - Chairperson: Etsuko Seno
• - Capital: 240 million yen
• - Member Count: 18,000
• - Total Business Volume: 2.33 billion yen (as of March 2025)
• - Website: Niigata Tokimeki

With such initiatives, the Niigata Tokimeki Cooperative showcases the strength of community collaborations, setting a precedent for childcare support in Japan.