Arab News Japan

TOKYO: A subway station in Tokyo has opened “Children’s Smile Spot,” an area designed to provide support for parents using public transportation along with small children.

Ueno-Okachimachi Station already had a nursing room for parents and it has added a stroller rental service that can be unlocked via a QR code. Instructions are in Japanese and English.

According to TOMITA Tohru, an official of the Bureau of Transportation of Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which runs the Oedo subway line, the Children’s Smile Spot concept was initiated from the strong demand of employees and residents of Tokyo who wish to have more autonomy with their children.

The project, which is currently being tested in a single station, combines the stroller service, nursing room, a beverage dispenser with baby milk in cardboard cartons, and other childcare products.

The project, which could be extended to other stations on the Toei Oedo Line, is in line with the national government’s policyto increase the birthrate in Japan.

Vending machines equipped with breast milk and other child care products could be used by QR code in Ueno Okashimachi on Tokyo Oedo line managed by bureau of transportation of Tokyo metropolitan government.