In a move towards improved accessibility, Japan's government has decided to enforce a maximum usage limit of ten hours per month for nursery schools, effective for anyone in Japan. The aim of this measure is to ensure equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their socio-economic status. With this policy, the government intends to balance the prevailing demand and supply issue in the nursery sector. No specific implementation date has been disclosed yet.

Childcare availability is a pressing issue in Japan due to the long waiting lists and high costs, particularly in urban areas. The government has been trying to address these challenges for years, targeting not only the quality of early childhood education but also its accessibility. This policy is seen as a step towards achieving these objectives.

In the US or EU, childcare policies differ by region. However, the common target is providing affordable and accessible early education for all. Some countries or states feature subsidized childcare while others might resort to tax benefits or allowances. Yet, no universal cap on usage exists, making Japan's approach quite unique.