- The following is content from the press release -
We will create exciting childcare programs that have never existed anywhere else, utilizing our network of train stations, railroads, and rural areas. We aim to create a society where anyone, anywhere can leave their children with peace of mind.
(Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Keiko Kowaki) has been selected by East Japan Railway Company (President: Yuji Fukasawa; hereinafter "JR East") and JR East Startup Co. (President: Yutaka Shibata), a business creation activity run by JR East and JR East Startup Co.
What is ASUKU?
Asuiku, a temporary childcare search and reservation service operated by grow&partners Inc. that can be used via smartphone and LINE, is a system that allows users to search for available temporary childcare services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in real time, make reservations, and complete payment in one minute.
All communication with childcare facilities and contact sheets can also be used from LINE, so even busy childcare providers can easily use the system in their spare time. This system makes the time-consuming process of applying for temporary childcare paperless, cashless, and phone-free, and has also won the 16th Kids Design Award and the Baby Tech Awards Special Award in 2022.
We are expanding our business with the aim of creating a society in which anyone can use safe and secure temporary childcare services at any time.
For more information.https://parent.asuiku.net/ From.
What is the JR East Startup Program?
This program invites venture companies and people with various ideas to submit proposals for businesses and services that utilize the management resources and information assets of stations, railroads, and group businesses, which are then brushed up and realized.
Held for the first time in FY2017, a total of 104 proposals have been adopted so far. Demonstration experiments have been conducted in a wide range of fields, including railroad and IT businesses, and some of the initiatives have resulted in practical applications. In addition, the company received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the 1st Japan Open Innovation Awards held by the Cabinet Office in FY2018, and the Minister of the Environment Award at the 3rd Japan Open Innovation Awards in FY2020.
We are promoting future-oriented collaboration with venture companies under the three themes of "regional co-creation," "digital co-creation," and "global co-creation (SDGs).
In order to promote further open innovation in this, the sixth year of the program, applications were solicited twice a year, in the spring and fall. In the fall, participation was solicited starting in October 2022, and "ASUKU," operated by grow&partners, was selected for 7 of the 94 proposals submitted in total.
https://jrestartup.co.jp/news/2023/05/92090/
Social Issues Challenged by JR East Startup x ASUKU and the Keyword "Parents' Time Alone
It has been pointed out that Japan is a country where it is difficult to raise children compared to other countries in the world.
As a result of the stress most parents feel about childcare, the trend toward fewer children is unstoppable, and postpartum depression and child abuse are major issues.
ASUIKU is working to solve this social issue with the keyword "parents' alone time".
We believe that when parents, who are usually busy with childcare and work, are able to leave their children at home safely, securely, and easily, they will feel more relaxed and smile more for their children. We have created a system that allows users to search for and make reservations for temporary childcare services in one minute.
On the other hand, surveys and interviews with parents have revealed that many parents, especially mothers, feel guilty about leaving their children in the care of their children.
(From a survey and interview by ASUKU)
In response to these results, ASUKUIKU is now trying to alleviate guilt about childcare by combining childcare time with learning, so that children can learn and enjoy themselves while receiving care, and then return home.
With the adoption of the start-up program, we will create a childcare program that will make parents want to leave their children with JR East by utilizing the best contents for children who love trains, such as JR East's stations, trains, trains running in rural areas, tourist resources, and everyone who works there.
By enhancing the soft aspects of the program, we hope to reduce resistance and guilt about leaving children in the care of others, and increase the number of smiles on the faces of parents and children as they hear their children say, "That was fun! and smiles on the faces of parents and children.
