New Program in Hokkaido Connects Families with Local Community through Child Residency Certificates

Assabu Township in Hokkaido has launched the innovative “Child Residency Certificate” in collaboration with KitchHike, which aims to enhance community engagement among families participating in the “Preschool Study Abroad” program. By utilizing hometown tax donations, this initiative helps forge vital connections between families and the local community, ensuring that children and their parents can remain connected to the beautiful landscapes of Assabu, even after leaving.

What is the Child Residency Certificate?

The Child Residency Certificate seeks to respond to the sentiments of families who have visited Assabu and wish to return. This program allows them to support the region from afar, as their children engage with the local culture and residents feel the positive impact of these connections.

Visit our website for more information: Child Residency Certificate

A New Model for Family Support

KitchHike has been at the forefront of promoting family-friendly initiatives since it started the Preschool Study Abroad program in 2021, allowing families to live together in unique regions of Japan while ensuring their children benefit from nature-filled experiences at preschool. This program has seen significant success in Assabu, with over a thousand families participating, and about 95% expressing a desire to return for another immersive experience.

Assabu’s Child Residency Certificate builds on this foundation, leveraging donations from the hometown tax system to improve child-rearing support and create a cycle of community engagement. Both local families and those from outside the area can become part of town development through their involvement with the Child Residency Certificate, fostering a spirit of togetherness that extends beyond fleeting visits.

The Child Residency Certificate is also integrated with the e-city platform by Giftee, which digitizes local vouchers for use and enables families to enjoy local specialties when they return. This system stands in contrast to traditional hometown tax donation methods that solely involve receiving gifts through mail, presenting a more enriching visit to Assabu.

Reviving a Community

Assabu Township faces challenges related to declining population, with fewer than 3,500 residents. However, it has taken measures to revitalize the area by inviting child-rearing families through the Preschool Study Abroad initiative. The township also plans to open a dedicated dormitory for preschool students in 2024, solidifying its status as a model for rural revitalization.

In July 2022, Assabu began a “Study Abroad Tax” initiative, allowing families to partly use donated amounts from the hometown tax as payments for the Preschool Study Abroad program. This innovative concept has since expanded to twelve regions, enhancing the connection between study abroad experiences and community support.

In June 2023, Assabu released its “Diversity Door” initiative, introducing diversity instructors fluent in English into local preschools, thus enriching the educational environment for children.

Looking Ahead

Assabu’s ongoing efforts culminate in its 100-year anniversary celebration set for 2025, during which local brands like the Assabu May Queen will undergo rebranding to strengthen their ties with the community and enhance the township's image.

Commentary from Leaders

In a bid to create a compelling vision for the future, Takashi Kiguchi, a local policymaker, emphasized that simply increasing the number of residents isn't enough. A holistic approach that considers the well-being of children, families, and communities is essential for sustained growth. The Child Residency Certificate is a testament to these values, demonstrating a commitment to building a lasting future.

Masaya Yamamoto, CEO of KitchHike, expressed pride in the progress made through the Preschool Study Abroad program, noting the warmth and meaningful connections developed between families and the Assabu community. He envisions the Child Residency Certificate as a vital tool for deepening these relationships, allowing families to cultivate their connection with the area over time.

Through innovative approaches such as the Child Residency Certificate, Assabu is shaping a new era in community-building and family support, reinforcing its position as a leader for rural revitalization in Japan.