What is the Japanese government's stance on gig workers in child care?

The Children and Families Agency has issued a notice stating that using gig workers to meet minimum staffing requirements is not desirable and is conducting surveys to understand their usage.

How are child care facilities in Japan addressing gig worker concerns?

Some facilities are implementing their own rules, such as not leaving gig workers alone with children, conducting independent screenings, and prohibiting certain duties to ensure care quality.

What are parents' main concerns about gig workers in Japanese daycares?

Parents are concerned about whether facilities can maintain the quality of care with one-off child care workers and the potential risks involved, especially with children who have special needs.

Home / Business and Economy / Japan's Child Care Crisis: Gig Workers Fill Gaps

Japan's Child Care Crisis: Gig Workers Fill Gaps

24 Feb

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Summary

Gig work is increasing in Japan's child care sector due to labor shortages.
The government has not set official rules for gig workers in child care.
Some facilities use gig workers as a recruitment tool for permanent staff.

Japan's Child Care Crisis: Gig Workers Fill Gaps

Gig work is rapidly expanding within Japan's child care sector, driven by persistent labor shortages. This trend offers convenience but lacks official governmental oversight, prompting concerns about entrusting children to temporary staff. A notice issued in February 2025 by the Children and Families Agency stated that using gig workers to meet minimum staffing levels is not desirable.

Recent surveys indicate that approximately 12.4% of day care centers nationwide have utilized child care gig workers, primarily to secure staff for daily operations and fill sudden vacancies. However, parents question the maintenance of care quality with one-off hires. The legal staffing criteria are defined, but the agency's notice discourages using temporary staff to meet these requirements.