Tokyo-certified babysitter fees covered at ¥2,500/hour in the daytime, 144 hours/year

When you use a babysitter certified by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the city covers part of the fee. The reason for use does not matter, such as overtime work, a parent's illness, or taking a break. Certification of need for childcare is not required. The subsidy limit is ¥2,500 per hour in the daytime (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and ¥3,500 per hour at night (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.). The subsidy is available for up to 144 hours per child per fiscal year. This is extended to 288 hours for children with disabilities, single-parent families, and multiple births. From FY2026 (April 2026–March 2027), the eligible age was expanded: children up to grade 3 of elementary school (from age 0 until the end of the fiscal year in which they turn 9), and children with disabilities up to grade 6 of elementary school, can now use it. Until FY2025, preschool children were eligible.