Changes and Reflections on Regional Child-rearing Support Programmes in Japan from the Perspective of Child-friendly Cities
Regional child-rearing support programs have emerged in Japan against the backdrop of the problem of childlessness and socioeconomic structural changes,which have caused anxiety about child-rearing in families,affecting the propensity to give birth.As an important part of Japan's child-rearing support system,regional child-rearing support programs are a key element in the development of child-friendly cities.Since later 1970s,the initial governmental childcare assistance has been gradually improved into a"universal"and"growth-oriented"childcare support system with the collaboration of multiple actors.Through a series of measures,including the enhancement of regional childcare services,the construction of regional childcare support information networks,the development of child-friendly spaces in cities,and the improvement of childcare funding support policies,the system has,to a certain extent,eased the anxieties of families about childcare,and has been a good catalyst for enhancing female employment and promoting urban development.In recent years,as the social environment continues to change,Japan's regional child-rearing support programme has faced some new problems and challenges,such as a shortage of volunteers and the unstable relationship of trust between regional childcare support workers and guardians.There is a need to take into account the new situation,based on children's perspective,and to conduct all-round reflection and governance at various levels,including the law,the government and the society.