Family Restaurant Joyfull, Certified Four Times for Child-Rearing Support, Promotes Diverse Work Styles

Joyfull Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Oita City, Oita Prefecture, President: Kurumi Anami), which operates a family restaurant business, has obtained the 'Kurumin Certification' four times up to last year. The 'Kurumin Certification' is awarded to companies that meet certain standards as 'child-rearing support companies' based on the Act on the Promotion of Measures to Support the Development of the Next Generation. Joyfull is promoting work styles that allow both fathers and mothers to participate in childcare and is improving its work environment. Joyfull's Initiatives: Joyfull provides a child-rearing friendly environment, allowing parental leave for up to three years (Note 1), as well as short-time work, restrictions on night shifts, and nursing leave until the end of the academic year of the child's 4th grade. The company aims to be a company where employees can balance family and career. Note 1: Legally, companies are required to allow parental leave until the child reaches the age of one. Joyfull's Unique Childcare Support Systems and Allowances: Joyfull offers systems and allowances that support childcare, allowing employees to choose work styles that suit their life plans. Company Systems: Childcare Leave System: Employees can take childcare leave until their child turns three years old, allowing them to raise their children with peace of mind. Work Classification Selection System: Employees can choose not to relocate, allowing them to watch over their children's growth with peace of mind. Discounted Meal System: Enjoy family meals at a discount. Twice a month, up to 30,000 yen per occasion (up to 9,000 yen in discounts) can be used at Joyfull chain stores with a 30% discount. Postpartum Paternity Leave (Parental Leave for Fathers): Can be taken multiple times within 8 weeks after the spouse's childbirth, allowing focus on childcare during this important period. The following systems can be used longer than the standard legal duration, until the end of the academic year of the child's 4th grade: Night Work Restriction System: Allows exemption from night shifts according to the child's daily rhythm. Overtime Exemption: To balance work and childcare, overtime work beyond scheduled hours is exempted. Short-time Work: Allows adjustment of daily working hours, such as to accommodate school pick-up times. Child Nursing Leave System: 5 days per year (for one child) can be taken separately from annual paid leave when the child is unwell. Financial Support Allowances: Child-Rearing Allowance: A fixed monthly allowance of 10,000 yen per child under 4 years old. Child Allowance: 3,000 yen for the first child, 4,000 yen for the second child, and 5,000 yen per child for the third child and beyond, paid monthly. Company Housing Allowance: 30,000 yen per month when living with a spouse in a company-designated property. Employee Voice on Postpartum Paternity Leave Acquisition: Employee H (10 days taken): Reason for taking leave: My wife's pregnancy led me to take leave, and I was encouraged by those around me. Benefits of taking leave: I truly understood how difficult my wife's daily life was. Caring for the child for a whole day was exhausting. Taking childcare leave for several days to raise my child contributed not only to my child's growth but also to my own. Memorable episode during leave: My wife and child were visiting her parents, and I hadn't been able to visit often. I was grateful to be able to visit them during my leave. I remember being nervous on the way there. Changes after returning to work: After taking a proper leave, I can now concentrate on my work. I also experienced the daily routine of childcare during my leave, which allowed me to manage childcare at home smoothly alongside work after returning. My superiors and colleagues have also supported me, and I am working without problems. Message to those considering leave: Childcare leave is an opportunity for parents to grow along with their child's development. Please actively use childcare leave to ensure quality time with your family, creating an environment where you can focus on work, and aim for a balance between work and family. Employee Y (30 days taken): Reason for taking leave: I have three children, and I couldn't take leave for the older two. With expanded company systems like paternity leave, I decided to take it this time. Benefits of taking leave: Besides the difficulties of childcare, I struggled with concentrating on general housework like cooking, cleaning, and laundry for the first time. With the older two children going to school, my schedule was full, and I realized the difficulty of childcare and housework. Memorable episode during leave: It was my first time witnessing childbirth, which is very memorable. Also, during my leave, my two older children caught influenza and the coronavirus, but I was able to take them to the pediatrician without hesitation, and I had more time to interact with my children. Changes after returning to work: I developed a consciousness for balancing housework and childcare. My mutual understanding with my wife deepened, and we naturally divided housework tasks based on who could do what. Message to those considering leave: I realized that for men, childcare is not about helping the wife but about acting proactively and voluntarily. Specifically, handling administrative procedures, shopping for daily necessities, and speaking to my wife. My perspective on things I had to do voluntarily for my family broadened. Future Outlook: Joyfull will continue to enhance its environment as a 'child-rearing support company,' enabling employees to value both work and childcare. The company will strive to achieve SDG Goal 5 'Achieve gender equality' and Goal 8 'Decent work and economic growth' through its corporate activities. Other SDG activities can be found on the following website. [Link to SDGs page] Joyfull Official Website "SDGs Joyfull" Company Name: Joyfull Co., Ltd. Headquarters Address: 1-1-45 Mikawa Shinmachi, Oita City, Oita Prefecture 870-0141 Representative Director & President: Kurumi Anami Business Description: Chain operation of the family restaurant "Joyfull", etc. [Images] Joyfull will celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 20, 2026. Since its founding, Joyfull has aimed to be 'the most affordable and most familiar restaurant in the community,' focusing on 'offering excellent value products' and 'practicing customer-centric service.' We will continue to challenge ourselves to be a beloved establishment for everyone. Inquiries from Media: Joyfull Co., Ltd., Office of the President, Public Relations Section Address: 1-1-45 Mikawa Shinmachi, Oita City, Oita Prefecture Tel: 097-504-2227 e-mail: pub_rel_div@joyfull.co.jp