- The following is content from the press release -
On June 4, 2025, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced that the annual number of births in 2024 was 686,061, a record low, falling below 700,000 for the first time. With the declining birthrate becoming increasingly serious, what challenges do mothers and fathers now face in raising their children?
(formerly known as Cookpad Baby, Inc.; headquartered in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Keiji Yasuda, President; hereinafter "Baby Calendar"; https://baby-calendar.jp/), operator of Japan's largest* child-rearing support website that provides direct advice from experts In May 2025, the company conducted a survey of 564 mothers and fathers with children under the age of 18 regarding "child-rearing and the use of AI" (survey period: May 23-30, 2025, Internet survey). Results,About 40% of all respondents said they use AI for childcare.The survey revealed that a new form of child-rearing is spreading, in which parents are "talking to AI" about worries and anxieties that are difficult to discuss with others. What is behind this trend?The reality of "solitary childrearing," where the child is raised by a single person with no one around to rely on.is now visible.
Based on the survey results, this release reports on the reality of solitary parenting faced by mothers and fathers raising children and the growing use of AI as a means to support this situation.
*As of November 2024, based on the number of monthly PVs announced by each media outlet (four competing sites selected by the Company) (based on the Company's own research).
About 40% of respondents use AI to raise their children, highlighting the reality of "orphaned" childrearing.
In this survey, 44.5% (251 respondents) of all respondents indicated that they have used AI. We also asked the 251 respondents, "Do you ever use AI or AI-based apps/services in childcare?" Excluding those who answered "not at all",87.6% (220 respondents) use AI in some form of childcareWe have found that this is the case. In other words,About 40% of all respondents, or more than one in three, are actively using AI in their childcare.The reality of the situation became clear.
AI is valued for its ability to immediately discuss questions and concerns about child-rearing on the spot and for its ability to listen repeatedly, indicating that it is used as a sounding board and a way to sort out feelings. Among them,I consult with AI on issues that are difficult to confide in others."This is a reality for families who are facing child-rearing in isolation, with no one to rely on.
Moms and dads are looking for a "reliable presence" that they can talk to.
When we asked families that are incorporating AI into their childcare to determine what purpose they are using it for, the most common answers wereCounseling on childcare issues" (42.7%)It was a very good opportunity for us to meet with them and discuss their problems. Many consulted AI for problems that are difficult to solve at home, such as "child discipline," "child development," and "money," as well as "dealing with fears" and "talking to children when they have tantrums.
The next most common were'Keeping track of childcare and managing the rhythm of life' (37.6%)and ... and'Counseling on children's physical condition/symptoms' (33.5%)It is. Some said, "The childcare record showed me the times of day when my child tends to be in a bad mood," and "I was able to review how to respond to a fever or regurgitation by listening to the AI. The use of the system to support daily decisions, such as comparing it with daily records, making it easier to notice changes in physical condition and mood, and getting hints on what to do next when anxious, stood out.
Further,Talking about complaints or anxieties, mood swings" (28.0%)Many of the respondents said that they were saved by the AI's sympathy and support for their feelings, such as "I can talk easily even in the middle of the night," "It is easy to talk about things that are not worth contacting my friends about," and "When I feel negative while raising my child, the AI praises me and helps me feel more self-affirming.
Then, when asked what they found "good" about using AI to raise their children, the most common responses were'I got ideas and knowledge about child care right away' (49.5%)secondlyI didn't have to deal with things on my own" (43.1%), ,Can be relied on at night or during spare time" (39.5%)The top responses included
The ability to get an answer to a question whenever they want, regardless of time or location, seems to be a great source of relief for mothers and fathers raising children. OtherI now have more time and space" (32.1%), ,I was able to talk to someone about a problem I couldn't ask anyone else" (24.3%)Many mentioned the reduction of mental burden, such as
Curbing the Declining Birthrate! What we need is an environment where we can consult with each other.
The survey found that about 40% of families use AI for childcare, and some respondents said that they consider AI to be one of the "reliable entities" they can rely on to help them confide their worries and sort out their feelings. The results of the survey revealed the followingHaving an environment where they can ask for help is what makes mothers and fathers feel secure and positive about raising their children.This is the point. The importance of an environment in which people feel that they can talk to someone and that they are not alone is becoming more important than ever.
In the Baby Calendar, you can consult with midwives and dietitians at any time for free in the "Expert Consultation Corner" (https://senmonka.baby-calendar.jp/top), we are working to create an environment where mothers and fathers do not have to face their problems alone. We believe that the essence of measures to combat the declining birthrate is to create an environment where people can consult with each other in order to realize a society in which as many people as possible want to raise children.
Miwa Nikaido, Editor-in-Chief, Baby Calendar
Raising a child has always been difficult, but the physical and psychological burdens faced by today's mothers and fathers have become even greater due to the spread of nuclear families and dual-income households. In fact, the number of people who say they have no one to whom they can easily turn for advice on the baby calendar has increased over the past several years.
The results of this survey also highlighted once again how mothers are struggling alone. On the other hand, we are deeply impressed by the resilience of mothers who are quickly adopting and utilizing the newly emerged generative AI for childcare.
Mom and Dad in front of you.A society where people can smile without being isolatedIf we can realize this goal, the number of the next generation who want to have and raise children will surely increase. I believe that creating such an environment is an important step toward overcoming the declining birthrate.
Baby Calendar offers articles and contents that help you feel "not alone" by providing solutions to your worries and questions that are difficult to ask others, including the "Expert Consultation Corner" where you can consult a midwife or nutritionist anytime for free. We will continue to accompany mothers and fathers and bring smiles to their faces as they raise their children.
Please do not feel alone. Whenever you are troubled or lost, you can always count on us.
The Baby Calendar will be with you every step of the way.
We hope that this release and its message will help you to feel that this is "your business" and will lead to a society where kindness is spread.
Survey Summary
Survey title: "Childcare x AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Survey method: Internet research
Survey period: Friday, May 23, 2025 - Friday, May 30, 2025
Surveyed: Users of services planned and operated by Baby Calendar Inc.
Survey conditions: 564 men and women with children under 18 years old
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https://corp.baby-calendar.jp/information_tax/release
About the "Baby Calendar" website
Baby Calendar" (https://baby-calendar.jp/) is Japan's largest(*) childcare support media covering information on pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare, with a monthly PV of 310 million, approximately 360,000 registered members per year, and supervised by a total of approximately 100 doctors and specialists. More than 20 editors, most of whom are former magazine editors, provide high-quality articles daily as the baby grows from conception until the baby turns 2 years old.
*As of November 2024, based on the number of monthly PVs announced by each media outlet (four competing sites selected by the Company) (based on the Company's own research).
About the operating company "Baby Calendar
Company name: Baby Calendar Inc.https://corp.baby-calendar.jp)
*March 25, 2021: Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers (currently Growth Market)
Head Office: Miyata Building 10F, 1-38-2 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan
Representative: Keiji Yasuda, Representative Director Date of establishment: April 1991 Main businesses: Media business, medical corporate business
The company operates "Baby Calendar," a child-rearing support media with the largest PV in Japan, supervised by a number of medical experts. In addition to Baby Calendar, the company is expanding its business by developing media that provide information tailored to women's lifestyles.
