Anew program in Osaka City will begin to help relieve the waiting list for child care centers by providing more individual care for young children. The plan will establish a resource bank of workers available to look after children up to the age of 2 in the children's homes.
The program will be run by the health and welfare centers of Osaka's 24 wards and will be the first of its kind in Japan.
The program stems from a campaign promise by Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto to improve day care in Osaka. Whether the plan is simply a political stunt to appear to keep that pledge or effective relief for parents needing day care will depend on how well the first stage works and whether the program can be expanded.