What changes once you have a baby in Japan?

In this episode of Matcha Mums, I talk about everyday family infrastructure in the Tokyo area — from navigating trains with a stroller to baby rooms in shopping malls, child-friendly restaurants, and hidden playgrounds across the city.

I also highlight Kosodate Hiroba (Child-Rearing Support Centers) — free community spaces where parents with young children can meet, play, and get advice from childcare professionals.

This episode is especially helpful for:

• New parents in Japan
• Families who recently moved here
• Expecting parents wondering what daily life with a baby looks like

A practical and honest look at getting around Japan with a baby or toddler.

https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/residents/en/child/20200325105507586.html

https://honyaku.j-server.com/LUCFUKUSIA/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.fukushi.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/kodomo/kosodate/hiroba?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=utf-8&XJSID=0

Contact Information:

Host: Tamara

E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com

How does the childcare system in Japan work? In this episode, I explain the main types of childcare facilities and how parents apply for daycare. I walk through the differences between Hoikuen, Yōchien, and Nintei Kodomoen and private daycare options.

I also share our personal experience applying for daycare, including the point system, the application timeline, and what daily life in a Japanese daycare looks like.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• An overview of the different day care facilities: private vs. public options
• How the application process works (and why timing matters)
• And what daily life inside a Japanese daycare actually looks like

Contact Information:

Host: Tamara

E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com

Welcome to Matcha Mum’s, a podcast about raising children in Japan as an international family.

Matcha Mum’s explores the everyday realities of parenting in a different country, understanding the Japanese system for families, and creating balance between career and home.

This podcast is a space for honest reflections, personal experiences, and conversations about what it means to raise children between cultures.

You can expect:

• Personal stories about building family life in Japan
• Reflections on navigating structures and expectations
• Conversations about identity, belonging, and mindful working parenthood
• Guest perspectives from other international mums and dads

If you are an international parent in Japan this podcast aims to connect, inspire, and open perspectives.

🎧 The first full episode is already online, where I share our story and what brought us here.