#Japan #Tokyo #Spice Factory #Childcare Program #Pre-Mama Papa

Spice Factory's Innovative Approach to Childcare

Spice Factory Inc., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has made headlines by winning the Excellence Award for Childcare Support at the Tokyo Smile Movement Awards. Their award-winning initiative, the 'Pre-Mama & Papa Program,' aims to create a society where individuals can work with confidence while raising children. The program was recognized for its dual focus on system development and fostering an inclusive corporate culture.

Background of the Award

With a workforce predominantly in their thirties and over 40% female employees, Spice Factory is leading the charge in ensuring that pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting are not seen as career obstacles. Their distinctive 'Pre-Mama & Papa Program' addresses the challenges faced by parenting generations that existing laws may not cover. In addition, the company has achieved a 100% childcare leave uptake rate as of December 2025, allowing both male and female employees the luxury of taking sufficient time off to focus on parenting.

In July 2025, Spice Factory joined the 'Child Smile Movement,' cementing its status as a business dedicated to supporting parenting. Their commitment to creating a supportive environment enables every employee and their families to thrive both mentally and physically.

Societal Context Surrounding the Program

The introduction of the 'Pre-Mama & Papa Program' stems from the government's initiatives to tackle low birth rates in Japan. In March 2023, the Japanese government announced measures, including the expansion of paternity leave, where fathers can effectively receive their full take-home salaries while on leave. However, significant gaps still exist, particularly concerning benefits for pregnancy-related issues that weren't addressed sufficiently by companies. Many employees face dilemmas regarding their pay when taking time off for prenatal check-ups or pregnancy-related health issues, which leads to a system where employees feel pressured to attend work even when unwell.

Overview of the 'Pre-Mama & Papa Program' (Introduced in July 2023)

The 'Pre-Mama & Papa Program' allows for up to 20 days of special paid leave prior to the statutory maternity leave. Its design tackles the inadequacies of existing frameworks, providing employees with the flexibility to manage pregnancy-related health concerns, prenatal appointments, and necessary preparations at home without jeopardizing their job security.

Key Features of the Program:

• - Special Paid Leave: 20 days of paid leave granted.
• - Inclusive Support: Available for both the pregnant employee and their partner.
• - Flexibility for Appointments: Leave can be taken for prenatal check-ups and support due to pregnancy.
• - Avoiding Salary Reductions: The program helps prevent reductions in childcare leave benefits caused by absenteeism from work.
• - Expanded Coverage: Starting in 2025, male employees will be able to utilize this program until the day before their partner gives birth.

Fostering a Supportive Company Culture

Spice Factory is also nurturing a company culture that supports parents through various initiatives. They've established dedicated channels on communication platforms for sharing parenting resources, created insightful childcare leave handbooks, and are responsive to employees' inquiries around maternity leave. This cultural shift is integral in not only promoting the program's uptake but also ensuring that employees feel confident in making use of it.

Key Achievements

• - Utilization Rate: 100% of eligible employees have utilized the program.
• - Childcare Leave Rates: 85.7% in 2024 and 100% in 2025.
• - Male Employees' Participation: 100% uptake rate compared to the national average of 40.5%.
• - Average Leave Duration: Employees have taken an average of 90.5 days.
• - Long-Term Leave: Some have taken up to 153 days.

These statistics reveal a compelling narrative that demonstrates the stark difference in participation rates among male employees, who have far exceeded the government's target of 50% childcare leave by 2025.

A Framework for Future Parenting Support

Spice Factory aims to expand its support with the introduction of a babysitter discount program in late 2025. They are also adopting a hybrid work model with four days of remote work and one day in the office, along with flexible working hours and wellness vacations to support the health and well-being of employees and their families.

Concluding Thoughts by Ayano Ryugo

Ayano Ryugo, Chief Sustainability Officer at Spice Factory, emphasizes the program's purpose is not merely about enhancing benefits but cultivating a culture where working while raising children is an acceptable and valued path. She acknowledges the complexities of managing parenthood while working and advocates for a society where everyone has the option to choose their paths without undue pressure. This initiative is an inquiry into the modern challenges of parenting and a supportive message for future generations.

Award Recognition

This recognition follows Spice Factory’s inclusion in the Wantedly Awards 2024's Best 100 and winning the 'Work Enjoyment' category at the HR's SDGs Awards 2025. The Tokyo Smile Movement Awards aim to celebrate entities contributing positively to children’s laughter and well-being by supporting innovative engagement in communities.

For more information on the Child Smile Movement, visit: Child Smile Award.

Learn more about Spice Factory and its initiatives at Spice Factory Official Site.