In a significant development for Japan’s childcare system, the number of children waiting for nursery school placements has dropped to 2,254, marking the lowest figure ever recorded.
This decline in waiting lists reflects ongoing efforts by the Japanese government to improve access to early childhood education and care, particularly in urban areas where demand has historically outstripped supply.
Nursery schools, or hoikuen, are essential for working parents in Japan, providing care for children from infancy up to age six. The reduction in waiting lists is seen as a positive step towards ensuring that more families can secure a spot for their children in these facilities.
Source: news.yahoo.co.jp