Japan's First Dual-Facility Setup: 'Ronald McDonald Family Room' to Open at Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center on May 15, 2026

Donald McDonald House Charities Japan (DMHC) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center (Fuchu City, Tokyo) will open the 'Ronald McDonald Family Room Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center' on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The 'Ronald McDonald Family Room' is a place of rest for families accompanying hospitalized children. It provides a warm, home-like space within the hospital where families can step away from the medical environment to relax, eat, and rest while staying close to their child.

Since 2010, the 'Ronald McDonald House Fuchu' has been located on the grounds of the center to support families traveling from afar. The addition of the new 'Family Room' aims to further enhance the resting environment within the hospital itself. This is the first time in Japan that both a 'Family Room' and a 'Ronald McDonald House' are established at the same hospital, enabling multi-faceted support for families with different needs.

Background of the Opening:
'Escort hospitalization,' where families stay in hospital rooms with their children, provides significant support for the child but places immense mental, physical, and financial burdens on families—a hidden challenge in pediatric medicine. Creating an environment where families can maintain their well-being is crucial for the child's smile and strength in treatment.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center is a hub for pediatric care in Tokyo, providing advanced and acute medical services for both mind and body. Annually, over 7,900 family members accompany children during their stay. DMHC and the center have long worked together to reduce the burden of family escorting. The new Family Room allows parents who find it difficult to leave their child's side for long periods to find respite without leaving the hospital building.

Comparison of Facilities:
- Ronald McDonald House: 12 locations in Japan. For families from afar. Located adjacent to the hospital. A lodging facility ('Second home').
- Ronald McDonald Family Room: 2 locations in Japan. For all escorting families (distance doesn't matter). Located inside the hospital. A resting place ('Place for short breaks').

Opening Ceremony:
A ceremony was held on Tuesday, April 28. Takanori Konobe, Executive Director of DMHC, explained the roles of the two facilities, and Takayuki Yamagishi, Director of the center, discussed the background of the installation. Guests included Norio Takano, Mayor of Fuchu, and a message was provided by Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo.