7 Free Programs That Make Akashi Stand Out.

New to Akashi? Read our guide, Why Akashi Is Japan’s Most Family-Friendly City, to discover why so many families choose to call Akashi home before exploring its famous Seven Free Programs.

Introduction

When people talk about family-friendly cities in Japan, Akashi City often stands out for one unique reason: its “Seven Free” (Seven Free Programs). Unlike many support programs that are limited by household income, Akashi provides these benefits to all eligible families, regardless of their financial situation.

The goal of the Seven Free Programs is simple—to reduce the everyday costs of raising children while creating an environment where families can thrive. From free medical care for children to free school lunches and childcare support, these initiatives help parents focus less on expenses and more on enjoying family life.

Rather than offering one-time financial assistance, Akashi has built a comprehensive support system that covers many of the essential costs families face throughout childhood. These policies have attracted national attention and have encouraged many young families to move to the city.

In this article, we’ll explain each of Akashi’s Seven Free Programs, how they work, and why they have become a model for local governments across Japan. Whether you’re an international family already living in Japan, planning to relocate, or simply interested in Japan’s approach to family policy, Akashi offers an inspiring example of how a city can invest in its future by supporting children and parents alike.

1. Free Medical Care for Children

One of Akashi’s most valuable family support programs is free medical care for children through high school graduation. While Japan has an excellent public healthcare system, parents usually pay part of their children’s medical expenses. In Akashi, eligible children can receive medical care without worrying about these out-of-pocket costs.

The program covers a wide range of services, including visits to hospitals and clinics, specialist consultations, prescription medications, and emergency treatment. It is available to children who are registered as residents of Akashi City, and one of its most remarkable features is that there is no income limit. This means every eligible child can receive the same level of support, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

My Experience

As a parent, this program has made a real difference in our family’s daily life.

One of my children was born with a congenital condition that requires regular medical checkups. My other child has sensitive skin and is prone to eczema, so visits to the dermatologist are also part of our routine. Like many young children, they also caught countless colds after starting daycare, which meant frequent trips to the pediatrician.

Without Akashi’s free medical care program, I might have hesitated before taking them to the doctor for what seemed like “just a cold.” Instead, I could focus on their health and recovery without worrying about medical expenses.

For our family, the greatest benefit isn’t simply saving money—it’s the peace of mind of knowing that whenever my children need medical care, I can take them to a clinic or hospital without hesitation. That reassurance has been invaluable throughout our parenting journey.

Did you know?
Unlike many municipalities in Japan, Akashi provides free medical care for eligible children through high school graduation without an income limit, making it one of the country’s leading family-friendly cities.

2. Free Daycare for the Second Child

For many families, childcare is one of the biggest expenses during the early years of raising children. To ease this burden, Akashi City provides free daycare for second and subsequent children, regardless of household income.

Unlike similar programs in some parts of Japan, Akashi’s policy has no income limit, making it available to all eligible families. By removing daycare fees, the city helps parents balance work and family life while reducing one of the largest monthly expenses of raising young children.

This program reflects Akashi’s belief that every child deserves equal opportunities and that families should receive support throughout their parenting journey. Rather than simply encouraging people to have more children, the city focuses on making everyday life more affordable for those who are already raising them.

My Experience

When our second child started daycare, we were incredibly grateful for Akashi’s free daycare program.

Childcare fees can be a significant expense for families with young children. Knowing that we didn’t have to pay daycare fees for our second child made a real difference to our household budget. It allowed us to spend that money on other important family needs, such as groceries, children’s clothing, and family outings.

More than the financial savings, the program gave us peace of mind. Raising two young children comes with many unexpected expenses, so having one major cost removed made everyday life much more manageable.

As a parent, I felt that Akashi wasn’t simply encouraging families to have more children—it was genuinely supporting those of us who were already raising them. That practical support is one of the reasons I believe Akashi is such a wonderful place to raise a family.

Did you know?
Akashi is one of the few municipalities in Japan that offers free daycare for second and subsequent children without an income limit, helping families reduce childcare costs during their children’s early years.

3. Free Diaper Delivery Service

One of Akashi’s most unique family support programs is its Free Diaper Delivery Service for families with infants. More than just a financial benefit, the program combines monthly deliveries of baby essentials with regular home visits, helping parents during their child’s first year.

From three months after birth until a child’s first birthday, eligible families receive baby supplies worth approximately ¥3,000 each month. Instead of offering only disposable diapers, parents can choose from a variety of essentials, including cloth diapers, diaper covers, baby wipes, infant formula, and baby food. This flexibility allows each family to select the items that best meet their child’s needs.

Every delivery also includes a visit from a childcare professional or family support worker. These visits give parents an opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns, and receive practical advice about childcare and child development.

My Experience

When my child was a baby, we looked forward to the monthly delivery. It wasn’t just about receiving baby supplies—we could choose the products that best suited our child’s needs each month. The home visits also gave us a chance to ask questions about parenting and our baby’s development.

Knowing that someone regularly checked in on our family made us feel supported, especially during the first year of parenthood. Looking back, I realized that the greatest value of this program wasn’t the supplies themselves. It was the reassurance that we weren’t raising our child alone.

Did you know?
Akashi’s diaper delivery program is much more than a supply service. By combining baby essentials with regular home visits and parenting support, the city helps families stay connected and supported during one of the most important stages of raising a child.

4. Free One-Month Baby Health Checkup

The first month after a baby’s birth is an exciting but challenging time for new parents. To support families during this important stage, Akashi City provides a subsidy of up to ¥6,000 for a baby’s one-month health checkup.

This examination is an important opportunity for doctors to monitor a baby’s growth, weight gain, and overall development. It also allows parents to ask questions about feeding, sleeping, vaccinations, and other concerns during the early weeks of parenthood. By reducing the financial burden, Akashi encourages families to receive this essential medical care without hesitation.

The program reflects the city’s commitment to helping every child get a healthy start in life while giving parents access to professional advice when they need it most.

My Experience

I used this program after the birth of one of my children, and it was a great help during the first month of parenthood.

Giving birth comes with many unexpected expenses, from hospital fees to baby essentials. Even a relatively small medical cost can add to the financial pressure during this time. Having the one-month health checkup subsidized allowed us to focus on our baby’s health instead of worrying about another expense.

The checkup itself was reassuring. It confirmed that our baby was growing well and gave us the opportunity to ask healthcare professionals questions that only new parents would think to ask.

Looking back, I feel this program reflects Akashi’s commitment to supporting families from the very beginning of a child’s life. Small acts of support like this can make a big difference during one of the happiest—and sometimes most overwhelming—times for new parents.

Did you know?
Akashi City provides a subsidy of up to ¥6,000 for a baby’s one-month health checkup, helping families receive essential early medical care while easing the financial burden after childbirth.

5. Free School Lunches for Elementary School Students

Healthy school lunches are an important part of everyday life in Japanese elementary schools. To support families and ensure that every child has access to nutritious meals, Akashi City provides free school lunches for all elementary school students.

Each lunch is carefully planned by nutritionists and typically includes rice or bread, a main dish, vegetables, soup, milk, and seasonal ingredients. School lunches are not only designed to support children’s growth but also to teach healthy eating habits and an appreciation for Japanese food culture. Sharing lunch with classmates also helps children develop social skills and enjoy mealtime together.

By covering the full cost of school lunches, Akashi reduces the financial burden on families while ensuring that every child receives the same balanced meal, regardless of household income.

My Experience

Although my oldest child hasn’t started elementary school yet, this is one of the family support programs I’m already looking forward to.

As a working parent, knowing that I won’t have to prepare a lunch box every morning is a huge relief. Busy mornings can be stressful, so having healthy school lunches provided at no cost will save both time and effort.

My child currently enjoys school lunches at kindergarten and often comes home excited to tell me what was served that day. Seeing that enthusiasm makes me confident that school lunches will continue to be something to look forward to in elementary school.

For our family, this program isn’t just about saving money. It means one less thing to worry about each morning and more time to start the day together.

Did you know?
In Japan, school lunches are considered part of children’s education. Akashi makes them completely free for all elementary school students, helping every child enjoy healthy meals while supporting busy families.

6. Free School Lunches for Junior High School Students

As children grow older, the cost of raising them also increases. School supplies, club activities, transportation, and educational expenses can place a significant burden on families.

To help ease these costs, Akashi City also provides free school lunches for all junior high school students. By continuing this support throughout compulsory education, the city helps parents avoid additional monthly expenses while ensuring that every student has access to a nutritious meal each school day.

Many family support programs focus mainly on young children, but Akashi continues investing in families as children grow. This long-term approach helps parents manage rising educational costs while giving students the healthy meals they need to learn and stay active.

My Perspective

Although my children are still young, I appreciate that this support continues through junior high school.

Knowing that Akashi continues investing in children as they grow gives me confidence that families are supported not only during the early years, but throughout their entire compulsory education. As a parent, it reassures me that our city is committed to helping families over the long term, not just when children are babies or preschoolers.

Did you know?
Akashi provides free school lunches throughout compulsory education, helping families save money from elementary school through junior high school.

7. Free Access to Four Public Facilities in Akashi

Supporting children means more than reducing the cost of raising a family. It also means creating opportunities for children to learn, play, and explore. As part of its Seven Free Programs, Akashi City provides free access to four designated public facilities for eligible children:

• Akashi Municipal Planetarium
• Akashi Cultural Museum
• Haréhare Children’s Center
• Akashi Seaside Swimming Pool

These facilities give children opportunities to discover science, history, culture, and active play while helping families enjoy quality time together throughout the year.

My Experience

My family has visited several of these facilities many times, and they have become some of our favorite places in Akashi.

We’ve been to the Akashi Municipal Planetarium several times, and one of my favorite features is the Baby Planetarium, where parents don’t have to worry if their baby cries during the show. It’s a thoughtful program that makes families with young children feel truly welcome.

We also visit Haréhare Children’s Center almost every month. A similar indoor play center elsewhere could easily cost several thousand yen for a family, so having free access to such a wonderful facility is something we truly appreciate.

Both places have been especially helpful on rainy days and during Japan’s hot summers and cold winters. They provide safe, comfortable spaces where children can play, learn, and burn off energy regardless of the weather.

For our family, these facilities are much more than free places to visit. They are places where we create happy memories together and where our children can simply enjoy being kids.

Did you know?
Free access to four designated public facilities is one of Akashi City’s Seven Free Programs, giving children more opportunities to learn, play, and stay active throughout the year.

Why Akashi’s “Seven Free” Programs Matter

Akashi’s Seven Free Programs are more than a collection of financial benefits. Together, they reflect the city’s commitment to creating a community where every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, happy, and supported.

One of the most remarkable features of these programs is that many are available without an income limit. Rather than limiting support to certain households, Akashi believes every child deserves equal opportunities, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

The city also focuses on supporting families throughout every stage of childhood—from infancy to junior high school. Free medical care, childcare, school lunches, and access to public facilities help reduce everyday expenses while giving parents greater peace of mind.

Although Japan faces a declining birth rate, Akashi’s goal is not simply to encourage people to have more children. Instead, the city invests in families who are already raising children, making everyday life more affordable and less stressful.

Because of this approach, Akashi has gained nationwide attention as one of Japan’s most family-friendly cities. Its Seven Free Programs show how practical, long-term support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of both children and parents.

Did you know?
Akashi’s child-friendly policies have attracted national attention and are often recognized as a model for other municipalities looking to better support families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Akashi’s Seven Free Programs are one of the reasons the city is recognized as one of Japan’s most family-friendly places to live. By reducing the everyday costs of raising children and supporting families from infancy through junior high school, these programs help create a community where both children and parents can thrive.

As a parent raising children in Akashi, I’ve experienced many of these programs firsthand. They have not only eased our financial burden but also given us peace of mind and made everyday family life a little easier.

If you’re interested in family life in Japan or are considering moving to Akashi, these programs are just one example of what makes this city so special.

Want to learn more? Be sure to read my guide, “Why Akashi Is Japan’s Most Family-Friendly City,” where I introduce why so many families choose to settle in Akashi.