Research on the effectiveness of sustainable Oyaji-no-kai as a childcare environment

In this study, we surveyed fathers who have engaged in a fathers’ association (Oyaji-no-kai) for more than ten years. Our survey results revealed that respondents joined the association and continued to participate in it for over a decade to stay involved with their children and local communities as a “childcare environment.” It also clarified their goals and changes in involvement awareness over time. The results of this study enabled us to explore the further potential of Oyaji-no-kai in childcare environments. The results of the TEM analysis identified five stages of engagement: craving companionship, searching for companions, leading by example, family interaction, and blending with the local community. The study results indicated that being involved in the local community helped fathers foster a sense of belonging. Having companions and assigned roles motivated fathers and individuals involved in Oyaji-no-kai to continue their involvement. Furthermore, fathers were enabled to continue attendance effortlessly with the association’s support of them and their families. The friendships that fathers mutually established through Oyaji-no-kai deepened with time, and the results suggest that these relationships are the primary motivation for Oyaji-no-kai in childcare environments.