Introduction

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG), in collaboration with GovTechTokyo―an affiliated organization of the TMG―is promoting digital transformation in childcare support. This initiative aims to provide more convenient and comfortable services under the key concept of “Connected Childcare.” It represents a major step forward transforming public services by bridging gaps between organizations and government agencies.

Challenges We Face

In recent years, families raising children have faced a range of challenges, including a lack of accessible information, complicated administrative procedures, and missed opportunities to utilize available support services. In particular, the application process for childcare facilities and childcare support services is often complex and burdensome for parents. To address these issues, it is essential to provide more efficient and user-friendly support through digital technology.

Key Activities

To address these challenges, the TMG has started four key projects:

Proactive Childcare Support Project

The TMG has developed a registry of childcare services offered by both the TMG and municipalities. Through this project, relevant information is proactively delivered to parents via push-based notifications through mobile apps. This service helps users address issues such as lack of information, missed applications, and unclaimed benefits.

Maternal and Child Health Online Service

The Public Medical Hub (PMH)* will be utilized to facilitate online applications for medical expense assistance and vaccinations using the Individual Number Card. This significantly reduces the burden of procedures, allowing parents to receive necessary medical support quickly.
*PMH is an information linkage platform developed by the Digital Agency.

One-Stop Childcare Enrollment Project

In Tokyo, enrolling in childcare facilities has traditionally been a manual and time-consuming process for parents, involving gathering information, scheduling site visits, and submitting applications. Through the One-Stop Childcare Enrollment Project, the TMG is working to digitalize these steps, enabling parents to complete the entire process—from finding a nursery school to enrolling—through online one-stop services.

Quick Childcare Financial Support Project

This project aims to streamline the application process for childcare financial support. By using smartphones and the Individual Number Card, parents can complete applications more quickly and conveniently.

Outcomes

These projects have already received positive feedback from users. For instance, regarding the Proactive Childcare Support Project, approximately 60% of users reported that it saved them time compared to searching for information on their own. Additionally, improvements in the childcare financial support application process have significantly reduced the time required to complete applications. The "018 Support" program, which introduced a new system leveraging the Individual Number Card, has seen a significant improvement in the percentage of applicants completing the procedure within 10 minutes—rising from 7% under the previous system to 71% with the new system.