Saving Isolated Parenting Through Community: 'Nakama Hoiku' Event on June 18th to Share Value of 90,000-Connection Program
NPO Niiza Parenting Network is hosting an online event on June 18, 2026, focused on combating parenting isolation. The event will feature a lecture by Professor Mitsunori Ishida of Waseda University and case studies from the 'Nakama Hoiku' co-parenting program, which has connected 90,000 parents and children, to promote community-based support systems.
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- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 23:14
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The 'solitary parenting' crisis, where caregivers have no one to rely on, is a severe social issue. Parenting-related isolation is a known factor contributing to postpartum depression, parental neurosis, neglect, and child abuse, making urgent measures necessary.
The Niiza Parenting Network, an NPO based in Saitama Prefecture, will host an online event on June 18, 2026, dedicated to creating systems for society to nurture children together as a countermeasure against this isolation.
The event will feature a keynote lecture titled 'The Reality of Parenting in the Reiwa Era: Supporting Parenting on a Tightrope' by Professor Mitsunori Ishida of Waseda University, who is also a member of the Cabinet Office's Expert Committee on Loneliness and Isolation.
In the second half, practitioners of 'Nakama Hoiku'—a co-parenting program that has connected 90,000 parents and children nationwide—will present from Saga, Kagawa, and Saitama. They will share real-life accounts of how parents regained community connections and formed a supportive environment through this program.
Mechanisms and Evidence for 'Nakama Hoiku'
'Nakama Hoiku' is a next-generation parenting program for infants and toddlers that incorporates mutual babysitting between parents. Since its inception in 2011, 85,000 parent-child pairs have participated, with a total of 90,000 connected including related programs. In a survey of participants, 94.4% reported that the program was effective in reducing loneliness and isolation.
Event Overview
Date/Time: June 18, 2026 (Thursday), 13:30–15:30
Method: Online (Zoom)
Fee: Free (Limited to 100 people)
Registration: https://forms.gle/Se2HJnzYFgzsXJJa8
The Niiza Parenting Network, an NPO based in Saitama Prefecture, will host an online event on June 18, 2026, dedicated to creating systems for society to nurture children together as a countermeasure against this isolation.
The event will feature a keynote lecture titled 'The Reality of Parenting in the Reiwa Era: Supporting Parenting on a Tightrope' by Professor Mitsunori Ishida of Waseda University, who is also a member of the Cabinet Office's Expert Committee on Loneliness and Isolation.
In the second half, practitioners of 'Nakama Hoiku'—a co-parenting program that has connected 90,000 parents and children nationwide—will present from Saga, Kagawa, and Saitama. They will share real-life accounts of how parents regained community connections and formed a supportive environment through this program.
Mechanisms and Evidence for 'Nakama Hoiku'
'Nakama Hoiku' is a next-generation parenting program for infants and toddlers that incorporates mutual babysitting between parents. Since its inception in 2011, 85,000 parent-child pairs have participated, with a total of 90,000 connected including related programs. In a survey of participants, 94.4% reported that the program was effective in reducing loneliness and isolation.
Event Overview
Date/Time: June 18, 2026 (Thursday), 13:30–15:30
Method: Online (Zoom)
Fee: Free (Limited to 100 people)
Registration: https://forms.gle/Se2HJnzYFgzsXJJa8
FAQ
What is 'Nakama Hoiku'?
A community-based 'co-parenting' program where parents help each other by babysitting to reduce isolation and anxiety.
Why is this event important?
To share practical solutions with municipalities and support groups to combat the growing social issue of isolated parenting.
Who is the event for?
Public health nurses, municipal support staff, corporate HR personnel, and parenting support organizations.