Key Facts
• ‘Preschool Study Abroad’ involves families staying in new regions for 1-2 weeks.
• Children attend local preschools while parents work remotely.
• Sado City and Minamiuonuma City in Niigata Prefecture host such programs.
• Over 40 municipalities in Japan now offer this initiative, starting in 2022.
• 60% of participants are families from the Kanto region.
• To date, 2,200 families (8,000+ individuals) have participated nationwide.
• Sado City added Hamochi Kodomoen as a host preschool in June 2025.
• The Todas, a family from Gunma, spent ¥270,000 for a one-week stay.
• Activities included watermelon harvesting, insect catching, and local sightseeing.
• Sado’s population dropped from 78,000 in 1990 to 51,000 in 2020.
• Children under 14 decreased by over 7,000 in the same period.
• The program aims to foster ‘deep relationship populations’ and attract repeat visitors.
• Some families, like the Hakuyamas, have participated multiple times.
• Benefits include cultural exchange, local economic support, and unique family experiences.
Summary
The ‘Preschool Study Abroad’ program allows families to temporarily relocate to rural areas, offering children unique experiences in local preschools while parents work remotely. Sado City and Minamiuonuma City in Niigata Prefecture are key hosts, with over 40 municipalities nationwide participating since 2022. The program has attracted 2,200 families, primarily from the Kanto region, and aims to address population decline in rural areas like Sado. Families engage in activities such as farming, nature exploration, and local sightseeing, fostering connections with the community. The Todas, a family from Gunma, spent ¥270,000 for a week-long stay in Sado, highlighting the program’s value in creating lasting memories and broadening perspectives. The initiative also benefits local communities by promoting cultural exchange and economic activity, with some participants returning multiple times or even considering relocation. As rural Japan faces ongoing population challenges, ‘Preschool Study Abroad’ serves as a bridge between urban and rural areas, fostering deeper relationships and sustainable connections.
