#Japan #Tokyo #Digital Agency #Childcare Support

Introduction

In an age where digital transformation is reshaping various facets of society, Japan's Digital Agency takes the lead in designing a robust framework for a digital society. One of its key initiatives is the newly introduced Childcare Support Registry, which aims to consolidate essential information for families seeking childcare services.

What is the Childcare Support Registry?

The Childcare Support Registry is an extensive database that aggregates information on childcare support systems registered by local governments and the national government. By allowing municipalities to input their system information and enabling app developers to use this data, the registry ensures that families can receive timely notifications about available support services.

Currently, families gather necessary information from various sources such as municipal websites, publications, and consultation counters, leading to fragmented information access. This situation can result in missed opportunities for aid, such as forgetting application deadlines or being unaware of available support due to a lack of communication. The Childcare Support Registry aims to address these issues and ensure that critical support information reaches families effectively.

Target Programs

The registry focuses primarily on childcare support systems targeted at preschool-aged children. As of November 1, 2025, it encompasses approximately 124 types of programs, which include:

• - Pregnancy and childbirth support: Services such as prenatal checkups and one-time childbirth allowances.
• - Support for infants and toddlers: Includes infant health checkups and vaccinations.
• - Care and education support: Covering childcare facilities, certified kindergartens, and temporary care services.
• - Single-parent family support: Programs like child-rearing allowances.
• - Other childcare support programs: Various local and national initiatives aimed at supporting families with young children.

How to Utilize the Registry

Municipalities should register their childcare support program information on the My Number portal. They are required to update the data promptly whenever there are changes in the services provided. App developers can apply for usage through the Digital Agency's external connections API to integrate this information into their applications.

Current Implementation Status

As part of a trial project for fiscal years 2023 to 2024, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in collaboration with national authorities, has initiated the rollout of the registry. They have developed a database that includes approximately 7,800 childcare support programs across 62 municipalities in Tokyo.

Collaboration with Private Apps

In a bid to test the effectiveness of information dissemination, six municipalities (Chiyoda, Toshima, Katsushika, Edogawa, Machida, and Mizuho) are collaborating with nine private childcare app developers to implement push notifications for support information.

Assessing Effectiveness

The trial aims to evaluate the potential for effective information delivery through childcare apps, ensuring that families receive vital updates about available support services.

National Expansion Plans

Starting in September 2024, a survey of the childcare support systems in 150 designated cities will be conducted. This aims to compile information and standardize data for future registration into the database. Following this phase, there are plans to broaden the scope to include other municipalities, ensuring that all families across the nation benefit from easy access to childcare support information.

Future Developments

By fiscal year 2025, the goal is to officially launch operations in designated cities and provide public access to the consolidated data. App developers will begin API integrations, paving the way for new educational services and information delivery tailored to families. Subsequently, the plan includes expanding the range of supported programs and enhancing overall service offerings starting from fiscal year 2026.

Conclusion

The Childcare Support Registry by Japan's Digital Agency represents a significant step towards nurturing a more family-friendly society. This initiative highlights the importance of leveraging technology to streamline access to essential services for families, ensuring that no child misses out on necessary support due to lack of information.