#Japan #Tokyo #Child Safety #Children First #Tokyo Safety Project

Tokyo's Initiative for Child Safety

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is excited to announce the start of a new project designed to create a safer environment for children. Embracing the motto "Children First," this initiative reflects a commitment to reevaluating policies from the perspective of children and promoting overall child welfare.

As part of the "Tokyo Children Safety Project," the local government will support research and product development through partnerships between academia and industry. This project also aims to encourage changes in consumer behavior, leading to safer product choices. The aim is to collaborate across government, businesses, academia, and civic society to establish an environment where accidents involving children are minimized.

Project Overview

The initiative will provide funding support to collaborative projects between universities and companies. These groups will focus on research and product development in the area of child accident prevention. This funding is split into two categories:

1. Research Grants:
- Groups formed with universities and public research institutions will conduct research expected to yield insights leading to the production of safer children's products.
- Expected Number of Projects Selected: 2
- Funding Duration: 3 years
- Maximum Grant Amount: ¥50 million
- Funding Ratio: 1/2 to 2/3

2. Product Development Grants:
- Companies will collaborate with universities and public research institutions to create or improve products aimed at ensuring child safety.
- Expected Number of Projects Selected: 3
- Funding Duration: 2 years
- Maximum Grant Amount: ¥60 million
- Funding Ratio: 1/2

Schedule (Tentative)

• - Application Period for Grants: June 8, 2026, to August 19, 2026. A project overview video is expected to be released on YouTube for interested parties in early June.
• - Business Description and Matching Event: June 26, 2026.
• - Review and Selection of Grant Recipients: Late August to September 2026.
• - Project Start Date: September 2026.

The research category is scheduled to last until the end of the 2028 fiscal year, while the product development category is set to conclude by the end of the 2027 fiscal year. The review and selection process will be conducted by an external committee composed of experts.

Business Description and Matching Event

To celebrate the launch of this initiative, a business description and matching event will be held to inform potential participants about the project's details and support proposals based on shared needs and resources.

• - Date and Time: June 26, 2026, from 14:00 to 16:00
• - Location: Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB) 1F SQUARE-2
• - Access: 1-minute walk from Yurakucho Station (JR Yamanote Line and Keihin Tohoku Line) at the Kyobashi Exit
• - Target Participants: Universities, research institutions, mid-sized enterprises, small businesses, and startups
• - Expected Agenda:

- Overview of the project
- Explanation of application details and Q&A session
- Networking and matching talks

Additional Information

For more details about the project and the event, please visit the special project website, where you can also find information regarding application forms and requirements.

This initiative is part of the broader "Tokyo 2050 Strategy," focusing on child-centered policy promotion. Creating a safe environment for children is a priority, and we encourage all stakeholders to participate in this transformative effort.