Housework and childcare helpers before and after birth from ¥1,000/hour

For families from pregnancy until the last day of the month the child turns 2, a helper visits and helps with housework (cleaning, laundry, cooking) and childcare (diaper changing, help with feeding, looking after siblings). The fee is ¥1,000 per hour (tax included). It is ¥500 per hour for people who gave birth to a low-birth-weight baby, gave birth under age 20, or were diagnosed with threatened preterm labor or threatened miscarriage, etc., and ¥300 per hour for people pregnant with or who gave birth to multiple babies. It is free for households exempt from resident tax for the current fiscal year (the previous fiscal year for April to June) and households receiving public assistance. The limit is 96 hours in total. It is 104 hours for those who gave birth to a low-birth-weight baby, gave birth under age 20, or had threatened preterm labor, etc., and 120 hours for multiple births. From April 1, 2026, using a helper to watch the child while you take older siblings to and from kindergarten, etc. is no longer covered. Apply to the Childcare Program Section of the Home Childcare Support Division, online (LoGo Form) or by mail.