Sunny Side Up Group Launches New Special Paid Leave Program 'Minna de Ikugyo' to Support Employees in Diverse Childcare Roles
Sunny Side Up Group announced it will add a new special paid leave program, 'Minna de Ikugyo,' to its unique '32 Benefit Programs' starting June 1, 2026. The program aims to support employees who are involved in childcare from various standpoints, such as supporting relatives or children in their local neighborhood. Eligible for all permanent, contract, and part-time employees, the program grants three days of leave per year for activities like postpartum support or assisting with school events, promoting a society-wide approach to childcare.
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- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 01:00
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Sunny Side Up Group (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Etsuko Tsugihara; hereinafter "the Company") announced that it will introduce a new special paid leave program, "Minna de Ikugyo" (Everyone Raising Children), effective Monday, June 1, 2026. This new initiative will become part of the company's unique "32 Benefit Programs," which are regularly updated in response to changing times and employee feedback.
This program is introduced with the objective of fostering an environment where childcare is supported by society as a whole, enabling members to support childcare from diverse positions, such as relatives or neighboring children.
■ Background of the Program Introduction
In recent years, against the backdrop of a declining birthrate and an increase in dual-income households, there is a growing realization that childcare should not be completed solely within the home but supported by society as a whole, including the local community.
The newly introduced "Minna de Ikugyo" program is based on the philosophy of "supporting childcare together as a whole society, not just by parents," and is designed to encourage childcare participation in various forms, such as by grandparents, relatives, and those involved with children in the local community. The name "Minna de Ikugyo" was inspired by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's "Ikugyo" initiative, which defines childcare not as "time off" but as "important work for fostering the future."
The company is committed to creating an environment that supports childcare collectively by enabling members to be involved in childcare from diverse standpoints. Through this and the "32 Benefit Programs," the company will continue to develop systems and environments that allow each member to work in their own way.
■ About the 'Minna de Ikugyo' Program
This program encourages participation in various aspects of childcare beyond the home, including support for mothers and newborns, child-rearing assistance, care for sick children, and accompanying children to school events or local activities. By combining this leave with annual paid vacation, the company supports not just temporary but continuous involvement.
[Eligibility] Permanent employees, contract employees, part-time employees
[Leave Granted] 3 days per year
[Age Scope] Children up to the end of the third grade of elementary school (same scope as the "Leave for Nursing Children" established by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
[Relationship] No requirements (includes relatives, acquaintances, and children of neighbors)
[Examples of Use Cases]
- Postpartum support for mothers and infants
- Childcare support
- Care for sick or injured children
- Proxy attendance at parent-teacher meetings or class observations
- Accompanying children to school events or local activities, etc.
■ About the Unique '32 Benefit Programs'
Formulated in 2011 under the slogan "Creating Fun," this unique system of welfare programs allows each member to work in their own way and live a fulfilling life. The programs include unique entries such as "Fun Creation Support," "Romance Leave," "Breakup Leave," "Birthday Leave," and "Happiness Doesn't Come Walking," all designed to flexibly support diverse lifestyles and work styles. The programs are continuously updated to reflect changes in the times and employee feedback.
This program is introduced with the objective of fostering an environment where childcare is supported by society as a whole, enabling members to support childcare from diverse positions, such as relatives or neighboring children.
■ Background of the Program Introduction
In recent years, against the backdrop of a declining birthrate and an increase in dual-income households, there is a growing realization that childcare should not be completed solely within the home but supported by society as a whole, including the local community.
The newly introduced "Minna de Ikugyo" program is based on the philosophy of "supporting childcare together as a whole society, not just by parents," and is designed to encourage childcare participation in various forms, such as by grandparents, relatives, and those involved with children in the local community. The name "Minna de Ikugyo" was inspired by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's "Ikugyo" initiative, which defines childcare not as "time off" but as "important work for fostering the future."
The company is committed to creating an environment that supports childcare collectively by enabling members to be involved in childcare from diverse standpoints. Through this and the "32 Benefit Programs," the company will continue to develop systems and environments that allow each member to work in their own way.
■ About the 'Minna de Ikugyo' Program
This program encourages participation in various aspects of childcare beyond the home, including support for mothers and newborns, child-rearing assistance, care for sick children, and accompanying children to school events or local activities. By combining this leave with annual paid vacation, the company supports not just temporary but continuous involvement.
[Eligibility] Permanent employees, contract employees, part-time employees
[Leave Granted] 3 days per year
[Age Scope] Children up to the end of the third grade of elementary school (same scope as the "Leave for Nursing Children" established by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
[Relationship] No requirements (includes relatives, acquaintances, and children of neighbors)
[Examples of Use Cases]
- Postpartum support for mothers and infants
- Childcare support
- Care for sick or injured children
- Proxy attendance at parent-teacher meetings or class observations
- Accompanying children to school events or local activities, etc.
■ About the Unique '32 Benefit Programs'
Formulated in 2011 under the slogan "Creating Fun," this unique system of welfare programs allows each member to work in their own way and live a fulfilling life. The programs include unique entries such as "Fun Creation Support," "Romance Leave," "Breakup Leave," "Birthday Leave," and "Happiness Doesn't Come Walking," all designed to flexibly support diverse lifestyles and work styles. The programs are continuously updated to reflect changes in the times and employee feedback.
FAQ
What is the 'Minna de Ikugyo' program?
It is a special paid leave program introduced to support childcare by family members and community members, not just by parents.
What age group is covered?
Children up to the end of the third grade of elementary school are covered.
How many days are granted per year?
Eligible employees are granted 3 days per year.