Most people who look into babysitting work in Japan don't know this rule exists — but it's one of the most important things to understand before you start. Since 2015, Japanese law requires that any babysitter who finds work through an internet matching platform (like CareFinder) must be registered with the government.

This isn't a bureaucratic hurdle for its own sake. It's a regulation that was introduced specifically to improve child safety and professionalise the babysitting industry in Japan. And for sitters who comply, it's a powerful trust signal to families.

Why Did Japan Introduce This Regulation?

Japan's 2015 regulation on babysitter matching sites (子どもの預かりサービスのマッチングサイトに係るガイドライン) was a direct response to safety incidents involving unvetted sitters found through informal online channels. The regulation created a framework requiring matching platforms to verify sitter identities and ensure all sitters using their platform are registered with the national childcare system.

CareFinder was one of the earliest platforms to comply fully with this regulation, and it remains one of the few sites that ensures all international sitters are registered — not just Japanese nationals.

What Does Government Registration Involve?

The registration is administered through Japan's national childcare training and registration framework. It involves:

• Completing an approved childcare safety training course (都道府県知事等 recognises specific training providers)
• Registering your details with the relevant government body
• Receiving a registration certificate that confirms your status

The training covers foundational childcare safety topics: responding to accidents, understanding the legal responsibilities of a sitter, and basic child development principles. It typically takes a day or two to complete and is available in multiple formats.

Do Foreign Sitters Need to Register Too?

Yes. The regulation applies to all sitters using internet matching platforms in Japan, regardless of nationality. CareFinder actively supports international sitters through this process and makes sure no one is left navigating Japanese-language bureaucracy alone. See also: How to Become a Babysitter in Japan as a Foreigner.

How CareFinder Handles This For You

This is one of the clearest benefits of working through CareFinder rather than finding clients independently. When you register as a sitter on CareFinder:

• If you are already government-registered, you simply upload your registration proof during the sign-up process
• If you are not yet registered, CareFinder explains the registration process in detail after you complete your CareFinder profile — in English
• The CareFinder team guides you through what's needed and answers your questions directly

Why This Matters for Your Career

Families on CareFinder know that every sitter they see has been vetted, interviewed, and government-registered. This is a genuine competitive advantage over sitters who work informally or through non-compliant platforms. When a parent chooses you from a CareFinder listing, the registration status is part of what gives them confidence.

It also means that all your jobs are covered by CareFinder's liability insurance (through Sompo Japan Insurance) — something that only applies to sittings booked through the platform by compliant, registered sitters. This is closely linked to the platform's communication policy — read more: Why All Communication Must Stay on CareFinder.

Staying Compliant

Registration is not a one-time event that you forget about. If you move address, change your name, or otherwise update your personal information, you need to keep your records current. CareFinder makes this straightforward — just update your profile and resubmit your identification when details change.