Babysitting was not a “thing” here, generally, until somewhat recently.  Traditionally in Japan the woman stays home while the man works, while families lived with their parents and extended families much more often, thus lessening the need for a stranger to come into the home.  Over time all of these facets of Japanese society have changed somewhat, and there has been an increase in the need and availability of babysitting, nanny, and other domestic services in Japan.

Especially in Tokyo this increase in demand has brought options for English speaking childcare services as a happy side benefit.  It is possible to find babysitters advertised in some online classified sites and ads posted in international supermarkets around town, and through some companies, like these below.

Chez Vous 

Chez Vous provides babysitting, nanny, housekeeping (maids), housecleaning-pro, and handyman services. (Limited French language services also available)

Chez Vous

0120-699-100
www.chezvous.co.jp/english

Poppins  

Poppins provides babysitter, childcare center, childcare support, and visiting elderly care services. (Limited French language services also available)

Poppins

www.poppins.co.jp/english/nanny/service/index.html

Alpha Kids 

Alpha Kids provides high quality childcare, babysitting, and education services.

Alpha Kids

0120-086-720
www.alpha-co.com/index_en.html

Babysitters

Babysitters provides… babysitters.  That is pretty much it, except unlike the remainder of the list they provide not only have babysitters whose native language is English, but also French, Spanish, Russian, German, Italian, Chinese, as well as Japanese.

Babysitters 

www.babysitters.jp/index-e.html

Kinder Network

Kinder-Network provides babysitter services.

Kinder Network

03-6415-8271
www.kinder-network.com

Honey Clover

Honey Clover provides babysitting at comparably low prices, as well as housekeeping services.

Honey Clover

03-6721-7186
www.honeyclover.co.jp/e

Note that these companies all have their own systems including registration fees and prices. The right company and the price you will pay will depend on your specific requirements, so please see their individual websites for more information.

Please also note that this document is adapted from a pamphlet produced by Relo Japan for use by their clients moving into Tokyo or the surrounding area.  Reference to any business or organization is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an official endorsement by the H&R Group. You may find other options available to  you with further research.

Photo by Shirish Mulmuley (Flickr: 20121028 saanvi051) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons