First nationwide chain of licensed childcare centers operated by a private company, Poplar childcare centers introduce online medical consultation service "Hugmedo Hoiku" for childcare facilities

Poplar childcare centers, operated by Task Force Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Representative Director: Kyui Hayase), have introduced "Hugmedo Hoiku," an online medical consultation service for childcare facilities provided by Hugmedo Inc. (Head Office: Minato City, Tokyo), to 10 licensed Poplar childcare centers nationwide starting May 1, 2026. This is the first introduction by a nationwide chain of licensed childcare centers operated by a private company (as of May 2026 / according to Hugmedo Inc. research).

"Hugmedo Hoiku" is a service that allows real-time consultations with doctors or nurses via tablets installed within the facility when a child experiences a sudden injury or illness. Poplar positions this as a "new childcare infrastructure in the childcare field."

Childcare ICT is advancing, but "daily medical consultations" have been dependent on the site.

In recent years, the childcare industry has seen advancements in ICT and DX, such as communication log apps and attendance management systems. However, the initial response to sudden fevers, injuries, rashes, or changes in a child's condition still often relies on the experience and judgment of on-site childcare workers.

While childcare facilities have medical cooperation systems in place through systems like contracted physicians, in daily childcare settings, responses to "cases that are not emergencies but are difficult to decide on" frequently occur, such as:

- Whether medical attention is necessary - How long to observe the situation - When to contact parents - Whether emergency services are required

Furthermore, since many childcare facilities do not have nurses stationed, childcare workers often have to make these judgments on the spot, which contributes to the psychological burden on staff.

For parents, responding to changes in their child's condition or injuries is also a major source of anxiety. A system that allows for sharing the situation with medical professional advice from doctors or nurses is expected to bring peace of mind to both the facility and the family, addressing concerns such as "Is medical attention really necessary?" or "What was the child like at the facility?"

Supporting childcare sites as an "online infirmary"

"Hugmedo Hoiku" is an online medical consultation service that allows real-time consultations with doctors or nurses via tablets installed within the facility.

By sharing the child's condition via video, childcare sites can receive advice and initial response support from a medical perspective.

Poplar will utilize this service as an "online infirmary for childcare sites."

For example, it will provide an environment for immediate consultation with specialists in "situations where judgment is difficult" that occur daily on site, such as:

- Consultation on how to respond after a head injury - Initial consultation for rashes or changes in condition - Confirmation when dealing with injuries - Consultation when explaining to parents

Towards creating an environment where "childcare workers do not bear the burden alone"

Poplar believes that creating an environment where "childcare workers can face children with peace of mind" is a necessary foundation for future childcare, in addition to the safety and security of children.

In childcare settings, many judgments are made daily due to the significant responsibility of caring for children's lives. Within this, bearing the burden alone with thoughts like "Was this response really the right one?" can lead to psychological stress for the staff.

Through this introduction, we aim to achieve:

- Creating an environment where childcare workers do not bear the burden of judgment alone - Supporting secure communication with parents - Reducing unnecessary medical visits and requests for pickup - Improving psychological safety in childcare settings

Childcare DX is for "protecting time spent with children."

Poplar views DX not merely as operational efficiency, but as a system for childcare workers and parents to "protect the time spent with children."

By establishing an environment where childcare workers can consult and make judgments with peace of mind, we want to protect the time for carefully observing each child's individual needs and the space to support children's "desire to try."

Going forward, Poplar will continue to promote the creation of a more secure childcare environment for all children, parents, and childcare workers by connecting childcare, technology, and expert knowledge.

[Service Overview]

Service Name: Hugmedo Hoiku

Provider: Hugmedo Inc.

Content: Online medical consultation service for childcare facilities

URL: https://hugmedo.com/

Participating Facilities:

- Poplar Sendai Nagamachi (Miyagi Prefecture) - Poplar Tokyo Higashi-Nippori (Tokyo) - Poplar Tokyo Hibarigaoka (Tokyo) - Poplar Kawasaki Musashi Kosugi (Kanagawa Prefecture) - Poplar Yokohama Wadacho (Kanagawa Prefecture) - Poplar Chiba Shin-Funabashi (Chiba Prefecture) - Poplar Nagoya Chikusa (Aichi Prefecture) - Poplar Osaka Nagaoka (Osaka Prefecture) - Poplar Osaka Minami Senrioka (Osaka Prefecture) - Poplar Kakogawa Beppu (Hyogo Prefecture)

[Poplar Childcare Centers]

Poplar operates 59 childcare centers nationwide.

With the childcare philosophy of "Believing in 'I can do it!' and turning 'I want to do it!' into 'I did it!'", we practice experiential childcare that respects the individuality of each child, valuing their desire to "try!"

In daily childcare, we focus on carefully observing the expressions, actions, and words of the children, and provide support tailored to their growth and curiosity while fostering social skills.

[Childcare Worker Recruitment]

Poplar is looking for childcare workers who will engage with each child's "desire to do" and co-create environments and experiences. If you resonate with this initiative, please visit our recruitment page.

New Graduate Recruitment Page: https://rabi-popo-pro.com/

Mid-Career Recruitment Page: https://www.taskforce-pr.co.jp/chuto-hoikushi-lp/

[Company Profile]

Task Force Group

Task Force Co., Ltd. and its group company, Task Force Mitera, operate five businesses including directly managed childcare centers (Poplar Childcare Centers), entrusted operation of in-company and in-hospital childcare centers, and babysitter services, with the aim of supporting child-rearing and employment for both individuals and corporations.

With the corporate philosophy of creating unique educational services under the theme of "Education and experience build people," we protect the lives, potential, and future of children with tension and a sense of responsibility.

Company Name: Task Force Co., Ltd.

Location: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Business Activities: Childcare business, babysitter business, etc.

Facilities Operated: Urban Childcare Center Poplar, etc.

Homepage: https://www.taskforce-pr.co.jp

<Media Inquiries Regarding This Matter>

Task Force Co., Ltd. Brand Communication Department

Contact Persons: Watano, Yokoo, Matsuya

Email Address: pr@taskforce-pr.co.jp Phone Number: 06-4795-6090