#Japan #Tokyo #Parenting #milkmagic #BetterDays

Introduction

Japan's first automated milk maker, milkmagic, developed by BetterDays, has made significant strides in easing the burdens of parenting. Launched on September 12, 2024, this unique machine allows parents to safely prepare milk at 70°C with just a press of a button, adhering to guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the World Health Organization (WHO). Initially available to individual customers via social media and exhibitions like those at Tsutaya Electrics, the introduction of the corporate rental service marks a pivotal shift in how businesses support their employees during parental leave.

Addressing Childcare Challenges

Caring for a newborn involves a multitude of tasks—preparing water, measuring formula, and accurately mixing them—all of which can become overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. The necessity of making milk every three hours, day or night, adds to the physical and mental strain. Many working couples find themselves caught between their professional responsibilities and relentless childcare tasks. In this context, milkmagic was created to alleviate such burdens for parents.

A Changing Society

The landscape of childcare in Japan is evolving, characterized by a decreasing birth rate and a rise in dual-income households. According to the 2022 Ministry of Health's White Paper, the proportion of dual-income households reached approximately 70%, compared to about 50% in 2000. This stark change underlines the pressing need for enhanced childcare support, as illustrated by governmental initiatives promoting paternity leave and subsidies for wage increases. Amid such societal transformations, organizations are called upon to implement innovative childcare policies and support systems.

BetterDays' Initiative

In alignment with these emerging needs, BetterDays has introduced a rental service for milkmagic, aimed at minimizing the childcare burdens for parents through corporate welfare programs. The company aspires to assist businesses in creating a supportive environment for employees juggling work and childcare responsibilities. A pioneering implementation of this service has been launched at Terada Soko Co., Ltd, thanks to requests from companies eager to incorporate this technology into their employee welfare offerings.

Case Study: Terada Soko Co., Ltd

Starting in December 2024, Terada Soko Co., Ltd has introduced the milkmagic rental service as part of its employee welfare initiatives. Feedback from a previous internal survey indicated significant employee concerns regarding maintaining sufficient sleep, balancing work and childcare, and securing family support in parenting. Since implementing the milk maker rental program, employees have expressed feelings of decreased childcare burdens and a sense that their employer is supportive of their parenting journey. Moreover, the rental service is available to both expectant and new fathers, demonstrating an inclusive approach to shared parenting responsibilities.

Supporting Work-Life Balance

Parents often face anxiety over their ability to secure sleep, personal time, and balancing work with family life. According to a study by the National Center for Child Health and Development, fathers must keep their work-related hours (including commuting) under 9.5 hours to engage adequately in household and childcare tasks. Alarmingly, many fathers with preschool-aged children spend over 10 hours at work, making it increasingly difficult to maintain a work-family equilibrium.

Recognizing these challenges, BetterDays aims to provide a solution through its corporate rental service for milkmagic. The initiative allows employees to simplify the labor-intensive task of milk preparation, enabling more quality time for family interactions and personal relaxation. Furthermore, it promotes shared parenting responsibilities and encourages male participation in childcare, fostering a supportive community where both men and women feel enabled to balance work and family.

Through this new approach to employee welfare, BetterDays aspires to contribute to a society that nurtures mothers, fathers, and their children with greater ease and support.

Product Overview: milkmagic

Milkmagic operates on cutting-edge thermoblock technology, allowing the rapid preparation of milk in just 3 to 10 seconds at the optimal temperature. Users can easily adjust both the volume (from 30ml to 240ml) and the temperature (between 35°C and 70°C) to suit various formulas. The device accommodates a range of powdered milk brands, ensuring versatility in use.

Conclusion

BetterDays spearheads a revolutionary step toward simplifying parental responsibilities. By enabling businesses to adopt milkmagic into their welfare programs, the company endeavors to ease the strain on working parents, paving the way for healthier family dynamics and better work-life balance. Future plans include continuous enhancements to support parents on their journey, ensuring that every day can indeed be a better day.