#Japan #online consultation #Kids Public #Tomisato

Introduction

In an innovative move to support local families, Tomisato City in Chiba Prefecture has partnered with Kids Public Co., Ltd. to implement an online consultation service for parents and children. Starting from April 1, 2026, this initiative aims to provide a seamless healthcare support system for residents, enabling convenient access to medical professionals from the comfort of their homes.

Background of the Initiative

Tomisato City has faced significant challenges due to limited medical resources in pediatrics and obstetrics, particularly during evenings and weekends when local medical facilities may be inadequate. This has often forced residents to seek assistance from neighboring Narita City or other municipalities. Furthermore, with the increasing trend of nuclear families, many parents experience feelings of isolation and lack support networks.

Recognizing these issues, Tomisato City, under Mayor Hirobumi Igarashi, began a trial program in April 2025, allowing residents to experiment with Kids Public's online consultation services. The trial aimed to explore the necessity of alternative healthcare solutions, especially for those who find in-person consultations challenging. Feedback from the trial highlighted the benefits of providing 24/7 access to healthcare professionals via smartphones, addressing the anxieties associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.

Service Details

The online service, designed for residents of Tomisato City, provides a platform where individuals can consult with pediatricians, obstetricians, and midwives for free. Additionally, partners can also seek advice about their female counterparts' health and well-being.

Available Consultation Services

1. Anytime Consultation: This service allows users to send messages through a web form for text-based responses from healthcare professionals within 24 hours.
2. Nighttime Consultation: Available on weekdays from 6 PM to 10 PM, residents can book a 10-minute consultation via LINE chat or video calls, with the option to book up until 15 minutes before the appointment.
3. Daytime Midwife Consultation: Accessible on weekdays from 1 PM to 5 PM without prior reservation, this service facilitates message exchanges between parents and midwives for detailed discussions.

During the trial phase, many users expressed relief at being able to consult specialists, noting that the service often brought peace of mind, even during off-peak hours. Data collected indicated that nearly half of the inquiries were submitted at night, indicating the demand for after-hours support.

Vision for the Future

The introduction of this service aligns perfectly with Tomisato City's commitment to becoming a nurturing environment for families. Through the online consultation platform, the city aims to enhance its existing support systems for pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing, thus fostering a community where parents feel secure in bringing up their children. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure comprehensive support from marriage through child-rearing, eliminating barriers to accessing essential healthcare.

Conclusion

Kids Public, founded in 2015 by pediatrician Naoya Hashimoto, has rapidly grown to include over 250 medical professionals on its platform, providing timely and pertinent healthcare consultations. This partnership with Tomisato City is a testament to the effectiveness of digital health solutions, paving the way for modern, responsive, resident-oriented healthcare services. By utilizing technology to bridge gaps in traditional health systems, Tomisato not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to a more robust, interconnected community.

About Tomisato City

Located in the northern part of Chiba Prefecture, Tomisato City benefits from its proximity to Narita International Airport and fertile agricultural land. Known for its watermelon production, the city combines urban convenience with natural beauty. The local government continuously strives to support younger generations in marriage, pregnancy, and child-rearing, reflecting a commitment to fostering a welcoming community for families.

About Kids Public

Since its inception, Kids Public has established itself as a leader in remote health consultations, with a rapid accumulation of over 30 million consultation cases. The company consistently focuses on creating an ecosystem of support that encourages parents to feel confident as they navigate the challenges of raising children.

For more information, visit Kids Public's website.