Key Facts
• In 2025, Tokyo’s Sanki-kai Hospital started baby hatch and confidential birth initiatives.
• Osaka’s Izumisano City aims to implement these as a municipality by 2026.
• Izumisano’s mayor plans to visit Kumamoto in February 2026 for study.
• Kumamoto City collaborates with Jikei Hospital on baby hatch and confidential birth.
• Kumamoto City established a support window for unexpected pregnancies.
• Kumamoto Earthquake’s 10th anniversary is in 2026; recovery is seen but memory fades.
• Disaster preparedness events and drills planned to raise awareness.
• Mayor Onishi is in his final third term year and will announce election plans in due time.
• He recently launched a YouTube channel to communicate more clearly.
• Public transportation improvement is a top priority with Governor Kimura.
• Goal to double public transit use and expand free ride days in urban areas.
• Continued road infrastructure development with prefectural cooperation is planned.
Summary
Kumamoto Mayor Kazufumi Onishi appeared on TKU Live News to discuss key issues including the expansion of baby hatch and confidential birth programs, which started spreading to major cities like Tokyo and Osaka in 2025. Kumamoto City, working closely with Jikei Hospital, shares expertise to support these initiatives while protecting women’s anonymity. The 10th anniversary of the Kumamoto Earthquake in 2026 prompts the city to focus on disaster memory and preparedness through public drills and awareness events. As Mayor Onishi approaches the end of his third term, he plans to review his achievements before deciding on running again, with a formal announcement expected later. He has also started a YouTube channel to enhance communication with citizens. Collaboration with Governor Kimura centers on doubling public transportation usage, improving rider environments, and expanding free ride days, alongside ongoing road infrastructure projects. This partnership aims to strengthen regional transit through coordinated efforts with the prefecture and transport unions.
