Spatial mismatch problem of childcare in Tokyo

This paper examines childcare centers’ spatial mismatch problem–a geographic mismatch that impedes a balance between work and childrearing. The study area is Tokyo, which has a large and growing number of children on childcare waiting lists. Survey results indicate the importance of spatial proximity and access to childcare centers in achieving the desired balance between work and childrearing. Visualized accessibility shows a considerable geographic mismatch between the supply and demand of childcare centers, especially for smaller children aged 0–2 years. Resolving the spatial mismatch problem can be a key policy.