Spatial aspects of the supply–demand gap and its change in childcare services in Naha City, Japan

Given the recent increase in the number of working mothers, Japanese cities face a shortage of childcare services. In response to this problem, Japan’s central government has attempted to expand childcare facilities by implementing a comprehensive support system for children and child-rearing. However, a geographical approach is needed to evaluate the impact of the new system from the viewpoint of territorial justice in order to reconcile efficiency and equity in public service provision. Therefore, this study examines the spatial aspects of the supply–demand gap in childcare services following the implementation of the new system. The area studied was Naha City in Okinawa Prefecture, where the number of children awaiting enrollment in licensed childcare centers is exceptionally large. Since 2015, the city authorities have provided financial assistance to transform unlicensed childcare facilities into licensed ones to increase the provision of childcare services. As a result, the number of children awaiting enrollment in licensed childcare centers has reduced. Nevertheless, a spatial analysis of the supply–demand gap in childcare services using a geographic information system proves that a regional imbalance in childcare provision still exists in Naha City.