In a significant stride towards improved early childhood education, the city of Osaka in Japan plans to implement a policy offering free childcare for the firstborn children aged 0 to 2 years. Aimed at alleviating the economic strain of raising a child, this policy responds to the growing demand for affordable childcare solutions in the city. The timeline and details of the initiative are yet to be shared by the city officials.

In Japan, childcare and early education are of great societal importance. With an aging population and declining birthrate, measures to support young families are often subject to national discussion. This move by Osaka City aligns with the government's long-term efforts to lessen the economic burden on families, promote child-rearing, and combat population decline.

In the US and EU, childcare policies vary significantly. Some European countries, like Sweden and Finland, lead in providing virtually free childcare, while others, like the UK, provide some forms of subsidized childcare. In the U.S., however, affordable daycare remains a significant issue with most families bearing the brunt of the costs.