Merry Attic Launches Model Demonstration for Nationwide Implementation of 'Child Short-Stay' Programs to Prevent Child Abuse, Supported by Continued Mitene Fund Grant

General Incorporated Association merry attic (headquartered in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture; Representative Director: Keiichi Ueda, hereinafter 'Merry Attic'), which works to build regional infrastructure supporting parenting families, will use the 2026 continuation grant from the Mitene Fund—supporting organizations addressing social issues affecting children and their families—to strengthen the foundation for model demonstrations of 'short-stay' programs: residential spaces providing temporary care for children.

Respite Care as a Key to Abuse Prevention

The number of child abuse consultations handled by child consultation centers nationwide has exceeded 220,000 for two consecutive years (*1), making measures against parenting stress and social isolation urgent priorities. According to a 2021 Cabinet Office survey, the percentage of parents reporting 'high mental fatigue from parenting' increased by 14.6 points compared to the 2015 survey (*2).

A 2025 study demonstrated a link between mothers’ social isolation, parenting stress, and the risk of child abuse (*3). Multiple studies have also reported that respite care—temporary relief for caregivers allowing them to rest and recharge—effectively reduces the risk of child abuse.

However, the current 'Short-Term Childcare Support Program' relies on utilizing vacant rooms in child welfare facilities. Since many of these facilities are nearly at full capacity, and smaller municipalities often lack such facilities, there is a nationwide shortage of short-stay capacity.

Establishing Local Hubs for Parenting Relief Across Japan

Merry Attic operates short-stay facilities in Kyoto City and Tokyo (Katsushika and Nakano wards), utilizing local housing and child support facilities. These facilities serve approximately 1,800 children annually per site, revealing a demand roughly four times higher than the national municipal average (annual average usage per municipality with over 300,000 residents) (*4). However, while our 'independent short-stay' model includes mechanisms to reduce user fees, financial support for operators remains limited, making stable funding difficult.

To address this, we aim to expand 'independent short-stay' programs utilizing local housing and facilities across Japan by conducting demonstrations to build sustainable operational frameworks.

(*1) Child and Family Services Agency, 'Number of Child Abuse Consultations Handled by Child Consultation Centers in FY2024'
(*2) Cabinet Office, '2020 International Public Opinion Survey on an Aging Society'
(*3) Japanese Journal of Public Health, 'Empirical Study on the Relationship between Maternal Social Isolation, Parenting Stress, and Child Abuse Risk'
(*4) Mitsubishi UFJ Research & Consulting, 'Research Report on the Current State of Support for Children, Parents, and Families'

Under the current system, municipalities without dedicated facilities face difficulties in implementing short-stay programs.

Specific Initiatives

1. Human Resource and Organizational Development for Building an 'Independent Short-Stay' Model
Conduct evaluations on staffing needs, operational structures, and costs in urban areas (e.g., Nakano and Katsushika wards) to develop a sustainable operational model for urban settings.

2. Assessing the Impact on Reducing Parenting Burden and Preventing Abuse
Collaborate with corporate pro bono teams—professionals contributing their expertise to social causes—to investigate and analyze the effectiveness of the program in preventing isolation and child abuse. A 'Social Impact Evaluation Report' will be published by 2026.

As merry attic approaches its 10th anniversary, it continues advancing its mission to 'fill society with a reliable, supportive atmosphere for parenting.' The organization is challenging existing systems and societal norms around child-rearing. Data from this demonstration will inform policy recommendations for reforms to the Child Welfare Act and related legislation.

About the Mitene Fund

Since April 2020, the Mitene Fund has provided financial and operational support to nonprofit organizations working to solve social issues affecting children and their families, both in Japan and abroad. Funded personally by Kenji Kasahara, founder of MIXI, Inc., the fund supports nonprofits addressing challenges in five areas: rare diseases and disabilities, education, poverty, childbirth and parenting, and child abuse.

Mitene Fund Secretariat Comment

Since our initial connection through the third-phase Step-Up Grant, we have observed how the team at merry attic has steadily advanced toward their mission of 'filling society with a reliable atmosphere for parenting.' Their progress truly embodies the spirit of 'stepping up.'

This time, as we begin the continuation grant, we reaffirmed our confidence in supporting their management team, who possess a high-resolution vision and ambitious plans. We are delighted to further support merry attic’s initiatives and co-create a society filled with 'reliable, supportive relationships.'

Mitene Fund: https://mitenefund.or.jp/

*The 'Mitene' trademark and logo are used under license from MIXI, Inc.

Media Interview and On-Site Visit Opportunities

Interviews with Representative Ueda and on-site visits to facilities in Tokyo (Katsushika, Nakano) and Kyoto are available. Example topics include:

- The structure and features of independent short-stay programs
- Roadmap toward system reform by FY2028
- Voices from actual users (anonymous options available)

About General Incorporated Association merry attic

To realize its mission of 'filling parenting society with a reliable atmosphere,' merry attic operates Japan’s first 'independent child short-stay' program. Based in Tokorozawa City (Saitama), Tokyo (Katsushika and Nakano), Kyoto City, and Naha City, the organization runs various parenting support initiatives, including after-school childcare, children’s cafeterias, and outsourced training programs for people with disabilities.