“If you’re not working, you can’t use a nursery.” — That assumption is still common among many parents in Japan.
But from April 2026, that premise has started to shift. With the full national rollout of the Kodomo Daredemo Tsuen program — Japan’s universal nursery access program — children aged six months to under three years can now attend licensed childcare facilities for up to 10 hours per month, regardless of whether their parents are employed.
For families raising young children at home who want the occasional break, for parents who’d like their child to experience group care before nursery enrollment, or for those simply wanting a smoother transition into the childcare system — this program offers a new and practical option worth knowing about.
This article covers everything in one place: what the program is, who qualifies, what it costs, and how to apply — written so that parents of children aged 0–2 can assess whether it applies to their own situation.
Table of Contents
What Is the Kodomo Daredemo Tsuen Program? The Basics
This program allows children who are not yet enrolled in nursery or preschool to use approved childcare facilities by the hour — even if their parents are not working. Stay-at-home parents, those on parental leave, freelancers, and remote workers can all apply. Employment status is not a condition for eligibility.
That said, using the program still requires submitting an application to your municipal office and completing an intake interview at the facility you choose. Removing the employment requirement means you no longer need to meet that particular condition to apply — it does not mean the application process itself disappears. It is helpful to understand this before you begin.
Program Overview
The program was created by Japan’s Children and Families Agency (CFA) as part of the government’s broader child-rearing support policy. It sits alongside — but is separate from — the standard nursery enrollment system, and is designed for flexible, hourly use up to a monthly limit, with no parental employment requirement.
Eligible facilities may include licensed nurseries, certified childcare centers, kindergartens, and small-scale childcare facilities, depending on what your municipality has designated as participating venues. In Japan, these appear under names such as hoikuen (licensed nursery), nintei kodomoen (certified childcare center), and yochien (kindergarten). The types and number of facilities available vary by area.
（参照：Kodomo Daredemo Tsuen Program｜Children and Families Agency）
What Does “Formalized in 2025, Full Rollout in 2026” Mean?
Here is a brief timeline of how the program has developed:
- FY2023: Pilot program launched across 50 facilities in 31 municipalities
- FY2024: Trial expanded to more than 150 municipalities
- FY2025: Formally established as a regional child and childcare support program under the Child and Child-Rearing Support Act
- FY2026 (from April 2026): Rolled out nationally as a new benefit under the Child and Child-Rearing Support Act, implemented by all municipalities across Japan
The national rollout began in April 2026, but the number of participating facilities and the specific application process vary from one municipality to the next. This is not a “same experience everywhere, starting now” situation. Your first step should be checking what is actually available where you live.
Why Has This Program Attracted Attention?
The program came about in response to a structural challenge in Japan’s childcare landscape.
Of all children aged 0–2 in Japan, an estimated roughly 60% are not enrolled in any nursery or preschool. For most of these families, the early years are spent almost entirely at home, with the primary caregiver managing childcare largely alone. As nuclear families have become the norm and community ties have thinned, many households find themselves navigating the early years in relative isolation.
The Kodomo Daredemo Tsuen program is designed not simply to increase the supply of childcare slots, but to give children access to qualified childcare staff and peer interaction — framing early childhood support as a shared social responsibility rather than a private family matter. For parents, it is also intended to ease some of the isolation that can come with caring for a child at home full-time.
Eligibility: Who Can Use It? Up to What Age? Can Stay-at-Home Parents Apply?
“Does my child qualify?” — this is usually the first question parents ask. Eligibility comes down to three conditions: ① age, ② current enrollment status, and ③ parental employment status. Checking these three points will give you a clear picture of whether you can apply.
Eligible Age Range: Six Months to Under Three Years
The program is open to children from six months of age up to — but not including — their third birthday. In practice, eligibility ends just before the child turns three, so check the exact cutoff date with your municipality.
Children under six months are not yet eligible to book care, though the CFA’s Tsuen Portal notes that in some cases it may be possible to submit an application or book an intake interview before your child reaches that age — allowing you to prepare in advance so that use can begin as soon as the child is eligible.
If you have more than one child, eligibility is assessed individually for each child. Even if an older sibling does not qualify, you can still apply for a younger child who falls within the eligible age range.
（参照：Kodomo Daredemo Tsuen Support System (Tsuen Portal)｜Children and Families Agency）
Children Not Currently Enrolled in Childcare Are Eligible
Children already enrolled in a licensed hoikuen, nintei kodomoen, yochien, or small-scale nursery facility are generally not eligible for this program.
The rules can vary depending on the type of facility your child currently attends, so if you are unsure whether your child qualifies, checking directly with your municipal office is the most reliable approach.
Can Stay-at-Home Parents, Those on Parental Leave, or Remote Workers Use This Program?
One of the defining features of this program is that parental employment status is not a condition for use. Stay-at-home parents, those on parental leave (ikukyū), freelancers, and remote workers are all eligible to apply.
Some parents feel uncertain about whether they “should” be using childcare if they are not employed. This program was specifically designed to support children’s development — employment status was deliberately excluded as an eligibility condition. There is no reason to feel conflicted about using it.
Cases Where You May Not Be Eligible
The following situations may mean your child is not eligible. It is worth checking these points in advance.
- If your child is under six months old: You generally cannot book care until the age threshold is reached. However, you may be able to begin the application process or book an intake interview in advance.
- If your child is already enrolled in a licensed facility: Children receiving standard childcare benefits are generally excluded. If the facility type is unclear, confirm with your municipality.
- If your child has turned three: Eligibility ends just before the child’s third birthday — confirm the exact cutoff with your municipality.
Costs: What Does It Cost? How Far Does 10 Hours a Month Go?
Cost is often the first practical concern parents want to address. Here is a summary of the standard pricing and what the 10-hour monthly cap actually looks like in practice.
Monthly Usage Is Capped at 10 Hours Per Child
Under this program, each child may use up to 10 hours of childcare per month. This is not designed as a daily childcare arrangement, and it cannot substitute for full-time nursery care.
It is better suited to parents who want to carve out a few hours of time on a regular basis — for appointments, errands, or a modest rest — or who want to introduce their child to a group setting gradually before regular nursery enrollment. The specifics of how hours are tracked and scheduled vary by municipality, so check your local authority’s guidance for details.
Standard Rate: Around ¥300 Per Hour
The standard benchmark for this program is approximately ¥300 per hour. Using the full 10 hours in a month would cost around ¥3,000 at that rate.
In practice, rates vary between facilities — some charge less, some more. Treat ¥300 as a rough guide only, and confirm the actual rate directly with the facility you intend to use.
What You Can and Cannot Do With 10 Hours a Month
Ten hours per month works out to roughly one session of two to two-and-a-half hours per week.
| What this program suits | What this program does not suit |
|---|---|
| Regular short sessions for appointments, errands, or a modest break | Daily or long-hours childcare for full-time work |
| Gradual group care experience before hoikuen enrollment | Securing close to full-time childcare hours |
| Access to childcare professionals for parenting questions and support | Last-minute, one-off care needs (ichiji azukari / temporary drop-in care may be more appropriate) |
If you need more than 10 hours per month, combining this program with ichiji azukari (temporary drop-in childcare) is one option to consider.
Are There Additional Costs or Differences Between Municipalities?
Some facilities charge separately for meals and miscellaneous items on top of the hourly rate. It is worth asking about these in advance.
Some municipalities also offer fee reductions or waivers for lower-income households — for example, families receiving public assistance or those in non-taxable household brackets may qualify for reduced or exempt fees in certain areas. The details differ by municipality, so if you think this might apply to your situation, it is worth inquiring at your local office.
Facilities also differ in how they implement the program — some operate dedicated rooms for small-group care, while others integrate children into existing groups. Clarifying this during your intake interview can help you find an environment that suits your child.
How to Apply and Use the Program
Here is a practical walkthrough of how to get started. The specifics vary by municipality, but the overall steps are broadly consistent.
Step One: Check What Is Available in Your Municipality
The national rollout has begun, but the number of participating facilities and the application process vary from one municipality to another. Your first step is confirming what is available where you live.
The Children and Families Agency operates an online platform called the Tsuen Portal (Kodomo Daredemo Tsuen Support System), where you can select your prefecture and municipality to see local availability. Your municipal government’s website may also have a dedicated page for this program, including a list of participating facilities and application guidance.
Application methods depend on your municipality. Some municipalities allow online applications through the Tsuen Portal; others require you to apply in person at a municipal office. Check your local authority’s website or contact the relevant window directly to confirm the process.
（参照：Kodomo Daredemo Tsuen Support System (Tsuen Portal)｜Children and Families Agency）
How to Find a Participating Facility
Participating facilities are hoikuen, nintei kodomoen, small-scale nurseries, and yochien designated by each municipality. The two main ways to find one are:
- Search by area and conditions on the Tsuen Portal
- Browse the list of participating facilities on your municipality’s website
Each facility runs the program differently — some offer small-group care in a dedicated room, others integrate visiting children alongside enrolled children. If a facility catches your interest, contacting them directly beforehand to ask a few questions can be helpful before committing to the intake process.
The Basic Steps: From Application to First Use
Here is how the process generally works:
STEP 1 — Apply to your municipality for program eligibility certification
Submit an application to your municipal office and receive official eligibility certification. Follow the process specified by your municipality (online or in person). If you have a target start date in mind, applying early gives you more room to manage the timeline.
STEP 2 — Choose a facility and attend an intake interview
Using the Tsuen Portal or your municipality’s facility list, identify a facility you would like to use. Before your child can begin attending, an intake interview with the facility is required. You will typically be asked about your child’s allergies, developmental stage, and daily routine at home. If you want to use more than one facility, note that a separate interview is usually required at each one.
STEP 3 — Make a booking and start using the program
Once the intake interview is complete, you can make a booking and begin attending. Depending on the facility, bookings may be made through the system or directly through the facility’s own process. Confirm the booking method during your intake interview.
Things to Confirm Before Your First Visit
Before attending for the first time, it is helpful to check the following with the facility in advance:
- What to bring: Requirements vary by facility. In addition to diapers and a change of clothes, it is worth asking whether your child can bring a familiar comfort item such as a small towel or soft toy.
- Whether parent-and-child attendance is an option: Some facilities allow a parent to stay during the initial sessions while the child acclimatizes, gradually extending the time apart. Ask whether this is possible and how the facility approaches the transition.
- Emergency contact procedures: Confirm how the facility will reach you while your child is in their care, and what their protocol is if your child becomes unwell.
Is the Kodomo Daredemo Tsuen Program Right for Your Family?
Now that the basics are clear, it is worth pausing to think about whether this program is actually a good fit for your household. Understanding what the program is designed for will help both you and your child get more out of it.
Families Who May Find This Useful
The following situations are particularly well-suited to what this program offers.
Families raising children at home who want occasional childcare access
If you assumed that stay-at-home parents simply could not use nursery care in Japan, this program is the first thing worth knowing about. Even within the 10-hour monthly limit, having a regular slot for appointments, errands, or simply time to recharge can make a meaningful difference to the sustainability of caring for a child at home full-time. This program is not just for children — it is a practical option for the whole family.
Families who want their child to ease into a group setting before hoikuen enrollment
For children under three, starting hoikuen can involve a significant adjustment to a new environment. Using this program for short weekly sessions before regular enrollment gives children a gradual, lower-pressure introduction to group care — which may ease the transition when the time comes.
Families who want access to childcare professionals for guidance and support
Time at a participating facility is also an opportunity to speak directly with qualified hoikusha (childcare professionals) about day-to-day parenting questions. Whether it is a concern about development, sleep, or feeding, having a professional to ask in person — rather than searching online — is one practical benefit of regular attendance.
Cases Where Expectations May Need Adjusting
Going in with a clear understanding of the program’s limits will help avoid disappointment.
If you need childcare close to full-time hours
Ten hours per month supports one or two short sessions per week at most. If your situation requires daily care, the right path is applying for a place at a licensed hoikuen through the standard childcare application process.
If you are hoping to start immediately
The program is still in its early stages of rollout, and the number of participating facilities is limited in some municipalities. Factor in the possibility of a waiting period between application and your first session. Availability varies — checking your local situation early is the most practical approach.
How Does This Differ From Ichiji Azukari (Temporary Drop-In Care) or Babysitters?
“What’s the difference from ichiji azukari?” is a common question. The two are different in their underlying purpose.
The Kodomo Daredemo Tsuen program is a continuing childcare program designed around supporting children’s development. Ichiji azukari — temporary drop-in care — is intended for one-off or irregular use based on a parent’s immediate circumstances. The two differ in purpose, how they are funded, and how you access them. Which is more appropriate depends on what you need and how often. For regular, structured group care and developmental support, this program tends to fit better. For occasional, unscheduled use, ichiji azukari is usually more flexible.
Compared to hiring a babysitter, the key differences are location (a facility versus your home) and whether your child has time with other children. In terms of cost, babysitting services generally run considerably higher per hour, so for regular, recurring use with a developmental focus, this program is typically more cost-effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some specific questions come up regularly when parents look into this program. Here are answers to the most common ones.
Q. Can I use this program while on parental leave (ikukyū)?
A. Yes. The program has no parental employment requirement. Being on parental leave does not disqualify you. You can use this program as a form of support for your child’s development during that period.
Q. I work from home. Am I eligible?
A. Yes. Employment type — including freelance work, remote work, or self-employment — is not a factor in eligibility. If your child is in the eligible age range and not already enrolled in a childcare facility, you can apply.
Q. My older child is already in hoikuen. Can I apply for my younger child?
A. Yes. Eligibility is assessed for each child individually. Even if an older sibling is enrolled in a hoikuen or other facility, a younger child who is in the eligible age range and not yet enrolled can still be registered for this program.
Q. Is 10 hours a month actually enough?
A. It depends on what you need it for. Ten hours works out to around four or five sessions of approximately two hours each per month. For regular childcare support and group experience, that can be adequate. For those who need care to cover working hours, it is not enough. If you need more than 10 hours, combining this program with ichiji azukari is one option worth looking into.
Q. How do I decide between this program and ichiji azukari?
A. Match the tool to your purpose. If you want your child to attend a group setting on a regular, ongoing basis — for developmental experience or structured peer interaction — this program is the better fit. If you need childcare for a one-off occasion or an unplanned situation, ichiji azukari is typically more flexible. If both options are available to you, using them for different purposes is a practical approach.
Summary
For families raising young children at home in Japan, the Kodomo Daredemo Tsuen program represents a genuine shift: a childcare option that removes the employment condition and makes nursery access available as a choice, not a privilege tied to work status. With costs benchmarked at around ¥300 per hour and a monthly cap of 10 hours, it is designed for families who want structured group care for their child — without committing to full-time enrollment.
The program is still in its early stages nationally, and how it works in practice varies by municipality. If this sounds relevant to your situation, the most useful next step is checking what is available in your area — through the Tsuen Portal or your local municipal office — and starting that process sooner rather than later.
Choosing to use childcare is not something families need to feel conflicted about. This program exists because children’s development — and the wellbeing of the families raising them — benefits from support. Using it is a reasonable, practical choice, and one this program was built to make accessible.
（参照：Kodomo Daredemo Tsuen Program｜Children and Families Agency）
（参照：Kodomo Daredemo Tsuen Support System (Tsuen Portal)｜Children and Families Agency）
（参照：Kodomo Daredemo Tsuen Program｜Japan Government Online）
