Many parents in Japan say there is a mismatch between demand for nursery places and supply, with some mothers simply choosing to extend their maternity leave given the dearth of nearby facilities for their children.

Finding child care still the bane of city life for many in Japan

Despite growth in nursery spots, overall demand continues to outstrip supply

AIKO MUNAKATA and KENJI ASADA, Nikkei staff writers

July 1, 2023 13:30 JST

TOKYO -- Japan has been trying to address a severe shortage of day care for young children by increasing the amount of spots available at nurseries and other facilities in urban centers, where demand remains strong.

Indeed, at first glance, authorities appear to have had some success: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare data showed the number of children on waiting lists fell to 2,944 nationwide last year, marking a fourth straight record low and a 90% drop from five years earlier.