A Report on the Management and Use of After-school Childcare in Hilly and Mountainous Areas

In this report, we studied the management and use of after-school childcare （ASC） in hilly mountainous areas （HMA）. The case research were depopulated towns villages Gunma Prefecture, particularly Nanmoku Village Kanna Town, where depopulation is increasing rapidly. results as follows : 1）ASC was necessary not only urban but also HMA because many children return from school to an empty home HMA. particular, that had fewer parks due their steep hillsides long distance between houses lived ; places providing ASC are highly valued can go outdoors, interact, play together. However, free allows registration for whose parents at when hours end therefore, all enjoy functions those areas, other institutions, including systems, such child classes. 2）In some villages, regardless status with respect depopulation, there no fee support families raise children. On hand, moderate high fees Prefecture would be needed designated areas. 3）In almost every registered ASC. reasons provision elementary than capacity ASC, few these Village.