The childcare access programme open to all children (乳児等通園支援事業) starts in full as a benefit in every municipality from fiscal 2026
Source material is a Japanese government announcement (in Japanese); this page is a summary.
Japan's "childcare access programme open to all children" (乳児等通園支援事業) becomes, from fiscal Reiwa 8 (2026), a new childcare access benefit under the Child and Child-Rearing Support Act, available in full in every municipality across the country, letting children from 6 months old to under 3 years old who are not enrolled in a facility attend by the hour up to 10 hours a month, with no work requirement.
Key facts
| Formal name | 乳児等通園支援事業 (Infant Childcare Access Support Programme, the childcare access programme open to all children) |
|---|---|
| When it starts | Rolled out in full as a benefit in every municipality across the country from fiscal Reiwa 8 (2026) |
| Who it covers | Children from 6 months old to under 3 years old who are not enrolled in a childcare facility |
| Work requirement | None (regardless of whether the parents work) |
| Cap on use | 10 hours per child per month (the same nationwide) |
| Legal basis | Child Welfare Act and Child and Child-Rearing Support Act (created by the amending act of June 2024) |
| Responsible agency | こども家庭庁 (Children and Families Agency) |
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From fiscal Reiwa 8 (2026), Japan is rolling out the "childcare access programme open to all children" — formally the Infant Childcare Access Support Programme (乳児等通園支援事業) — in full in every municipality across the country, as a new benefit under the Child and Child-Rearing Support Act. It lets parents leave a child who is not enrolled in a childcare facility at such a facility by the hour, regardless of whether the parents work. It covers children who are not enrolled in a facility, from 6 months old to under 3 years old, and use is capped at 10 hours per child per month. It was created by the amending act passed in June 2024 (the act partially amending the Child and Child-Rearing Support Act and other laws), was established as the "Infant Childcare Access Support Programme" under the Child Welfare Act in fiscal Reiwa 7 (2025), and became a benefit in fiscal Reiwa 8. Its distinguishing feature is that there is no work requirement and it can be used flexibly, by the hour and in similar ways.
Background — why this change
With about 60% of children aged 0 to 2 in Japan — an estimated 1.34 million children — not enrolled in a childcare facility, the programme was created to support the raising of children who spend their days only at home regardless of whether their parents work, to build a good environment for their growth, and to strengthen support for all child-rearing households regardless of how parents work or how they live.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
Summaries reflect national-level programs. Municipal (city/ward/town) programs may differ — confirm with the official desk before applying.
FAQ
Can I use it even if I am not working?
Yes. There is no work requirement. The official material describes it as a new childcare access benefit that can be used flexibly, by the hour and in similar ways, with no work requirement.
What ages does it cover, and what is the cap on hours?
It covers children from 6 months old to under 3 years old who are not enrolled in a childcare facility, and use is capped at 10 hours per child per month, the same nationwide.
How much do parents pay to use it?
The official reference materials do not state the amount parents pay. The 850 yen per hour that appears in the materials is the "subsidy standard unit price" paid to providers (under the pilot programme), and the materials state that the full rollout will set unit prices by age. Check the actual amount you would pay with official channels or the municipality where you live.
When and where does it start?
It runs in every municipality across the country from fiscal Reiwa 8 (2026), as a benefit under the Child and Child-Rearing Support Act.