News Navigator: Why are public facilities in Japan adopting ‘fast track’ entry for kids?

The Mainichi Shimbun answers some common questions readers may have about Japan’s new “fast track” entry policy for visitors with children at some public facilities.

Question: I’ve recently seen news about museums letting parents and kids enter without lining up. What’s going on?

Answer: This is what’s dubbed the “children’s fast track.” It is part of the “next-level measures” being introduced by the administration of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to counter the country’s declining birthrate. The system was introduced at places including some national museums and parks during the recent Golden Week holidays.

Question: Why was this system introduced?

Answer: It’s difficult for small kids to wait in line for long periods — and just as difficult for parents who have many children to watch over. Japan has struggled with a declining birth rate, with the number of births in the country recently dipping below 800,000 for the first time. The government is attempting to make society a better place for raising children and for the children themselves.

Question: How is this system going so far?

Answer: During this year’s Golden Week from late April to early May, fast track lanes were set up at over 20 public facilities, such as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo’s Koto Ward. However, plenty of issues need to be worked out. Facility operators need to decide on and tell visitors about the age limits for fast track entry, and secure enough space and staff.

Question: Will people without children accept this idea?

Answer: Opposing views can be seen on the internet, such as, “This is unfair because we pay the same amount,” and, “Children need to learn to wait their turn from a young age.” Fast track lanes should also be considered for their effect in easing congestion for regular lanes, among other issues.

Question: Will this idea be restricted to nationally run facilities?

Answer: The government wants the idea to be applied at private facilities, too. Masanobu Ogura, the minister in charge of policies related to children, commented, “The understanding of those without children is extremely important for the idea to spread.”

(Japanese original by Yurika Tarumi, Lifestyle, Science & Environment News Department)