Japan Opens Late-Night Cafes for Mothers

Madoka Nozawa in Hokkaido, Japan, runs “Oyako no Koya,” a late-night cafe for mothers and babies. The space opens Sunday nights and remains open until 6 a.m., providing a judgment-free environment for mothers who may be alone with crying infants. Mats cover the floor for babies to crawl and sleep, and volunteers assist with childcare.

The cafes are appearing as Japan experiences a record low in births. Preliminary data shows roughly 705,809 babies were born in 2025, marking the tenth consecutive annual decline.

This trend began about 15 years before projections indicated, increasing the need for family support. The idea originated from an online manga in 2017 imagining a similar space for overwhelmed mothers.

While initiatives exist in Tokushima and Niigata prefectures, sustaining these cafes relies heavily on donations and volunteer work. Experts note that government support for nighttime childcare is limited, and broader collaboration is needed to ensure these spaces remain available. The work to support new mothers and address declining birth rates continues.