Eco-Child Survey Symposium & Fair Held Aiming for Children's Health and a Safe, Secure Child-Rearing Environment

On January 31st, the Ministry of the Environment held a commemorative symposium and fair at Marunouchi KITTE in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, to mark the third anniversary of the nationwide "ECHOCHILD Study" on children's health and the environment. Approximately 400 people, including mothers of young children and related parties, participated.

The Eco-Child Study (Eco-Child = Ecology & Children) is a large-scale initiative that began in January 2011, inviting 100,000 pregnant women to participate. It involves regular follow-up surveys until the children reach age 13. The study covers a wide range of topics, including the lifestyle habits of participating pregnant women and their partners (such as smoking and drinking), breastfeeding and weaning practices, childcare facilities, and work situations. At the opening, Deputy Minister of the Environment Tomokatsu Kitagawa stated, "The information on numerous children obtained through this study is valuable and beneficial. We aim to utilize the study's findings to promote children's health and realize a safe and secure environment for child-rearing."

Deputy Minister Kitagawa	 

 

The symposium was attended by experts including physicians, university professors, and research doctors. They presented on "Children's Health and the Environment" and "Survey Data Analysis" based on previous research. Additionally, a discussion on child development was held with participation from clinicians and mothers.

Held concurrently with the symposium was the "Mama & Kids Smile Eco-Child Fair," featuring stage programs and a corner where parents and children could enjoy crafts together. On the special stage, Miki Fujimoto, a popular talent known by her nickname Mikitty and beloved across generations, shared her experiences. She said, "Even if you can't help with childcare, just hearing 'It must be tough, thank you' is heartwarming. Those words help me accept the physical changes and anxieties." Her words resonated deeply with many mothers in attendance.