Transforming Despair into Hope: A New Era for Childcare in Japan

As Japan welcomes a new year, the childcare industry stands at a critical juncture. Persistent issues such as chronic staff shortages, high turnover rates, and overall fatigue in the workplace create a murky landscape for childcare professionals. However, one individual is determined to confront these challenges head-on and vow to prevent a sense of hopelessness from hovering over the industry. That person is Mitsuo Kawana, the president of the social welfare corporation Kizuna Yuukai, based in Saitama City.

Under Kawana’s leadership, Kizuna Yuukai has achieved remarkable milestones: maintaining a staff turnover rate of below 2%, attaining a parent satisfaction rate of 97%, and ensuring that staff earn an average salary of over 4.5 million JPY. This success can be attributed to Kawana’s unique management approach known as “Childcare Reform,” which he developed by observing the systemic challenges in the field.

Understanding the Roots of Despair in Childcare

For many years, the Japanese childcare sector has unwittingly perpetuated a system that relies on the goodwill and sacrifices of educators, obscured by benevolent rhetoric. Kawana himself has experienced the harsh realities of being a childcare worker, grappling with unpaid overtime and a rigid workplace culture. This challenging past has shaped his perspective, motivating him to initiate reforms aimed at normalizing what has often been viewed as “abnormal” within the industry.

Key Aspects of Kawana's Childcare Reform

1. Professionalism and Livelihood Assurance for Staff

To eliminate unpaid overtime, Kizuna Yuukai explicitly states that, “the most successful staff are the ones who leave on time.” They have implemented a system that discourages excessive overtime through financial disincentives. The organization has also ensured a competitive salary structure, securing resources through rigorous management practices, resulting in an average salary exceeding 4.5 million JPY for staff. Moreover, a culture where educators have the autonomy to purchase toys for children up to a value of 10,000 JPY without prior approval has been established, easing the financial burden on teachers.

In addition, a structured mentoring program known as the “Three-Year Learning Initiative” has been introduced for new graduates and inexperienced workers, allowing them to acquire skills without being overwhelmed by responsibilities.

2. Respecting Children and Parents as Active Participants in Education

Kizuna Yuukai collaborates with architect Yoshikazu Kanai to create an intentionally unfinished playground, allowing children to explore and cultivate their playfulness and thinking. This design not only stimulates children's creativity but also fosters their independence.

To further reduce the burden on parents, the corporation has launched a child development support facility next to the childcare center, providing comprehensive meals and transport services, thus alleviating both physical and emotional stress on families. Additionally, by sharing developmental progress reports in advance, Kizuna Yuukai has successfully reduced parental complaints to zero in infant classes.

A Vision for 2026: Industry-Wide Transformation

Looking ahead to 2026, Kizuna Yuukai is poised to enter a new phase. Beyond sharing their expertise through a “Childcare Career Advancement Training Program,” Kawana is in the process of establishing a “Welfare Promotion Corporation” alongside like-minded partners. This initiative is designed to inspire collaboration between regions and organizations, ultimately building a supportive framework for the entire childcare industry rather than just focusing on one corporation’s success.

As Kawana himself states, “I refuse to let the despair I once experienced become a reality for our current childcare professionals. Instead of relying on moral persuasion, we are systematically dismantling the anomalies in this industry. Our practices are not just a lifeline for our organization but a beacon of hope for everyone involved in childcare across the nation.”

About Kizuna Yuukai

- Name: Social Welfare Corporation Kizuna Yuukai
- Headquarters: 3-13-4 Tajima, Sakura-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture
- Representative: President Mitsuo Kawana
- Main Activities: Childcare operations, child development support projects, childcare career advancement training courses, and support related to parenting.
- Official Website: Kizuna Yuukai Official

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