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Kids Public's Significant Milestone: A Decade of Service

Kids Public, an innovative healthcare company based in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Founded by pediatrician Naoya Hashimoto, the company has established itself as a leader in online medical consultations over the past decade. The organization operates the services "Pediatric Online" and "Obstetrics and Gynecology Online," and has been instrumental in meeting the needs of families across Japan. With a record of partnering with 237 municipalities and handling over 300,000 consultations, Kids Public is poised to embark on its next chapter in providing essential health services for children and parents.

A Journey Through the Past 10 Years

The origins of Pediatric Online stem from Hashimoto's firsthand experiences as a pediatrician. Observing the challenges families face when trying to access healthcare, he recognized that merely waiting in hospitals would not ensure health outcomes for children. The initiative was officially launched in 2016 in partnership with two municipalities, Kirishima City in Kagoshima and Yokose Town in Saitama, to address the urgent needs of parents unable to secure medical advice during off-hours. Immediately, issues like community medical pressure and the lack of child-rearing support surfaced as significant challenges for these local governments.

In 2018, Moms and Dads enjoyed the added service of „Obstetrics and Gynecology Online,” which ensured continuous support during pregnancy and childcare. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the organization expanded its outreach by providing services directly to the public through a project commissioned by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). With growing trust and engagement, Health officials noted increases in subscription rates, ultimately achieving a record 237 municipalities signed up by December 2025.

In total, Kids Public has achieved a staggering 300,000 consultations, firmly establishing its role as a safety net for child-rearing families in need of reliable health advice.

The Impact of Online Consultations

Research indicates significant gaps exist in the mental health support system for postpartum and parenting individuals. A survey conducted by Jichitai Works, from September 17 to October 15, 2025, revealed that 34% of municipalities struggled to identify those experiencing mental health issues early enough for effective intervention. Another 28% noted that residents often felt uncomfortable reaching out for help.

Recognizing these pressing issues, the Pediatrics and Obstetrics Online platforms undertake early risk detection. When concerns related to childcare anxiety, postpartum depression, or related risks arise, the consultation teams promptly collaborate with the relevant municipal support systems. Remarkably, a staggering 70.7% of high-risk clients had previously received no proactive community aids, showcasing the integral role Kids Public plays in facilitating early detection.

Among municipalities that have integrated online consultations, around 53% reported success in supporting residents who were otherwise unable to seek help in person. Additionally, 33% reported improved satisfaction levels among users, indicating the initiative's positive influence on community engagement.

Evidence-Based Advancements in Healthcare

Committed to protecting and enhancing the health of children, Kids Public continuously relies on empirical evidence to back its interventions. As of December 2025, the company has published 20 research papers and made 61 presentations during various conferences, reflecting a dedication to substantiating the effectiveness of its services.

The most significant study, conducted in collaboration with Yokohama City and a research team from the University of Tokyo, evaluated online consultation effectiveness in preventing postpartum depression symptoms through a randomized control trial. This study involved over 700 participants and revealed that the group receiving Kids Public's services exhibited a 33.5% reduction in high-risk postpartum depression instances compared to the control group. Such findings solidify Kids Public’s place as a critical resource in the support of mental health for new parents.

Additionally, interventions in remote areas indicated that 2.1 times more residents successfully resolved their issues related to children's illnesses or pregnancy concerns after utilizing online consultations.

Looking Ahead: Infrastructure for Child Development

As Kids Public dives into its second decade, the objective is clear: evolve into a comprehensive support system covering the entire child development process, from pregnancy through adulthood. Key strategies include:

1. Building Online Medical Consultation Systems: The introduction of a novel model known as “D to P with N (Doctor to Patient with Nurse)” involves nurses assisting with data collection to facilitate remote patient consultations. This model aims to bridge traditional medical practices and technology, allowing for enhanced diagnostics and personal care.

2. Deepening Community and Regional Partnerships: Kids Public will further strengthen connections with local healthcare providers, drugstores, and postpartum care facilities, ensuring that online consultations effectively channel into tangible community support.

3. Strengthening Preconception Care: Future initiatives will focus on equipping younger generations with essential knowledge about health and lifestyle management, which is critical for nurturing future generations.

4. Developing Services for Adolescents: As youth mental health becomes a priority, Kids Public aims to address prevalent issues many adolescents face today, including suicide prevention and sexual education, creating supportive environments for open discussions.

5. Collaborating between Humans and AI: Kids Public believes in emphasizing the indispensable role of human interaction in healthcare, complemented by technology. The focus is on maximizing the benefits of AI while ensuring personalized communication and understanding in sensitive medical discussions.

Message from the Representative

Naoya Hashimoto, pediatrician and CEO of Kids Public, emphasizes the vision of a future where the care and protection of child development health is a community responsibility. As Kids Public looks toward the future, fostering a societal norm that prioritizes family wellness remains at the forefront of its mission. Engaging local governments, businesses, and individuals alike is crucial in realizing the shared goal of ensuring healthy development stages for every child.

About Kids Public

Founded in 2015, Kids Public has evolved under Hashimoto's guidance, launching its online pediatric services in 2016. With dedicated medical professionals and cutting-edge technology, the organization aims to create a sustainable and healthy environment for families navigating parenting and child healthcare needs.