The number of preschool children on waiting lists for day-care facilities across Japan has fallen for an eighth straight year, hitting a record low.



The Children and Families Agency said that as of April, 2,254 children were waiting for admission, down 313 from a year earlier. The figure refers to children whose parents or guardians are seeking childcare services because both work or for other reasons.



The number has dropped every year since peaking in 2017. It is now the lowest since the survey began in 1994.



Tokyo had the most children on waiting lists at 339, followed by Shiga Prefecture at 335, Saitama Prefecture at 208, Hyogo Prefecture at 199 and Osaka Prefecture at 194.



In 17 prefectures, there were no children on waiting lists.



The agency attributed the drop to expanded childcare capacity, a bigger-than-expected decrease in the number of preschool children and an increase in parents taking longer childcare leave.



However, it noted that some municipalities saw waiting lists grow due to staff shortages forcing facilities to cut capacity or applications exceeding expectations.



The agency said it will continue working with municipalities to implement measures, reduce childcare workers' workload and secure staff. It added that it also aims to ensure sustainable childcare services in depopulated areas.
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Quiz 1:
How many children were waiting for admission across Japan as of April 2025?
A. More than 2,254
B. 2,254
C. Less than 2,254
D. The same as in 2024

Quiz 2:
Which prefecture had the most children on waiting lists for day-care facilities in 2025?
A. Tokyo
B. Shiga Prefecture
C. Saitama Prefecture
D. Hyogo Prefecture

Quiz 3:
In how many prefectures were there no children on waiting lists for day-care facilities in 2025?
A. More than 17
B. Exactly 17
C. Less than 17
D. The number varies among prefectures