Starting April 2026, Japan will roll out a nationwide Childcare for All Children system offering temporary care, group childcare, and parent-child support for infants and toddlers, with standard fees set at 300 yen per hour.

Reforms will restructure household childcare support and distribute costs more evenly across the working-age population, requiring separate reports to receive certain benefits and relying on health ministry and local government announcements for implementation details.

From October 2026, Category 1 insured self-employed and freelancers will be exempt from national pension premiums until their child turns one, with the exemption contributing toward pension eligibility.

A one-time 20,000 yen cash payment per child will be issued to those turning 18 by the end of 2025, with no guardian income restrictions; eligible households receiving child allowances will be paid automatically.

Pilot programs for universal childcare access began in 2025, with a nationwide rollout planned for 2026 and ongoing funding discussions anticipated through 2028.

A new Child and Childcare Support Allowance system will create a national funding framework for childcare, expanding contributions to public health insurance and increasing funding for child allowances and childcare programs.

Japan intends a broad expansion of childcare, education, and wage-related support starting in 2026 to counter inflation and reduce costs for working-age households.