#Japan #online consultation #Kids Public #Moriya #Moriya City

Introduction

On July 1, 2026, Moriya City in Ibaraki Prefecture will launch its new online healthcare service called "Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online." This initiative, managed by Kids Public Co., Ltd., aims to enhance healthcare accessibility for residents by providing remote consultations with about 250 professionals, including pediatricians, obstetricians, and midwives.

Background of the Service Introduction

Moriya City is committed to becoming the "Exciting Parenting Kingdom of Moriya," working tirelessly to offer seamless support from pregnancy to childcare. The city has already made strides in this area, having previously introduced the "MORIYA Digital Maternal and Child Health Handbook App," which facilitates information access, online applications for maternal health notifications, and appointment scheduling via smartphones.

However, significant changes are on the horizon due to the "Reform of Physicians' Working Hours" set to take effect in April 2024. This transformation will impact the pediatric emergency care system on nights and weekends across the Joso area, including Moriya City. The consolidation and decrease of pediatricians mean many families are left wondering where to seek advice during off-hours, raising considerable anxiety about emergency health situations.

To address these challenges, Moriya City will implement the "Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online" platform, allowing residents to easily consult with medical professionals online. This initiative will help reassure families, providing them the necessary support to confidently navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.

Services Available through Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online

Residents of Moriya can access online consultations with pediatricians, obstetricians, and midwives for free. The services include:

24/7 Consultation

Every day, residents can submit questions via text, receiving answers from medical professionals promptly.

Nighttime Consultations

On weekdays from 6 PM to 10 PM, residents can book a 10-minute consultation via LINE messaging or video calls with professionals, with reservations available up to 15 minutes before the consultation.

Daytime Midwife Consultation

From 1 PM to 5 PM on weekdays, residents can consult with midwives through LINE messaging without prior reservations.

Consultation Search Feature

Users can search and review previously submitted questions and the corresponding answers from experts, creating a repository of information.

Commentary from Moriya City Mayor

Mayor Masumaru Yoshihisa emphasizes that realizing the "Exciting Parenting Kingdom of Moriya" is one of the city's most critical policies. As they strive to enhance childcare support and digitize services, the expected reforms in emergency healthcare have become a significant concern for families. Particularly, the question of where to seek advice for sudden health issues during nights and weekends is pressing.

The "Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online" service allows easy access to healthcare professionals through smartphones, providing expert advice just before a hospital visit. This initiative aims to convert anxiety into assurance, ensuring that families can raise their children in Moriya without feeling isolated. The city aspires to become the most livable place in Japan, continuously updating support systems that align with modern times.

About Moriya City

Located in the southwestern area of Ibaraki Prefecture, Moriya City is just 40 kilometers from Tokyo and accessible to Akihabara in as little as 32 minutes via the Tsukuba Express (TX). The city boasts a planned urban environment with excellent living conditions and abundant nature, receiving high evaluations for its livability and appeal as a desired place to reside.

Currently, Moriya is advancing plans to establish a new farm facility for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, aimed for the 2027 season. This facility will include a main stadium, indoor practice space, and player dormitories, offering citizens a chance to engage with top athletes. Moriya City is reshaping its value as a "smart wellness city," fostering health and happiness for families and seniors alike.

About Kids Public

Founded in 2015 by pediatrician Naoya Hashimoto, Kids Public launched its online pediatric consultation service in May 2016, followed by the obstetrics service in 2018. With over 40,000 cases of consults, their innovative approach incorporates numerous features such as text-based consultations available at any time, nighttime video calls, and a searchable database of Q&A. The cumulative consultation numbers exceed 300,000, showing Kids Public's commitment to supporting families across Japan.

Their goal is to leverage ICT to provide consistent support from pregnancy through childhood, contributing to a society where everyone can experience healthy growth.

Company Details

• - Company Name: Kids Public Co., Ltd.
• - Location: 11-8 Kanda Mitodai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• - Representative: Naoya Hashimoto
• - Established: 2015
• - Employees: 35 (as of December 2025)
• - Affiliated Medical Professionals: 267 (as of December 2025)
• - Website: Kids Public

For inquiries related to this press release, please contact: Kids Public Public Relations, Haruyama, Murakami at 050-1732-0536 or email [email protected].