Babysitter costs subsidized up to ¥2,500 an hour, 144 hours per fiscal year

You can hire a babysitter for any reason, and the city subsidizes part of the fee. Overtime, hospital visits, school events, or making time for yourself are all fine. No certification of need for childcare is required. The subsidy is up to ¥2,500 per hour from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and up to ¥3,500 per hour from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day.

It covers parents who have an address in the city and live with the child, for children from age 0 to before elementary school (use up to the end of the fiscal year in which they turn 6), and for sick, recovering or disabled children in grades 1–6 of elementary school. The limit is 144 hours per child per fiscal year; children with disabilities, single-parent households and multiples can use up to 288 hours per fiscal year. The FY2026 period is April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. From use on October 1, 2026, care by one sitter of up to 2 siblings aged 1 or older is also covered if conditions are met. Apply every 3 months; the deadline for use in July–September is November 2, 2026. From April 2026, inquiries and mail go to the contracted provider JTB Corp. (03-4400-0952).