Getting a Daycare Spot in Japan: Our Hoikuen Experience

Interview with Katie Hurd: Building a Business During Maternity Leave in Japan

In this episode of Matcha Moms, I’m speaking with Katie Hurd — coach, entrepreneur, and mother of two — about the realities of building a business while raising children in Japan. Katie shares her journey from corporate life into entrepreneurship, what it was like to grow a business during maternity leave, and how her life and work changed after becoming a single mother of two sons. We talk openly about the challenges behind the scenes: navigating the Japanese childcare system as a self-employed mother, balancing financial pressure and family life, creating structure in everyday chaos, and learning when to ask for support. This conversation is an honest look at resilience, self-organization, motherhood, and the emotional and practical realities of building a career while raising a family abroad. In this episode, we cover: * Building a business during maternity leave * Entrepreneurship and motherhood in Japan * Life as a single mother of two * Outsourcing, support systems, and self-organization * Advice for mothers considering entrepreneurship * The importance of resilience, mindfulness, and self-care Link to Katie's Homepage: https://neurofitglobal.com [https://neurofitglobal.com] Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com [matchamums@gmail.com]

Are We Doing This Right? Raising Bilingual/ Multilingual Children in Japan

In this episode, I explore what research really says about raising bilingual and multilingual children and how it compares to our own experience raising a German-Japanese child in Japan. We talk about common myths, language dominance, daycare, a third language, and why language development is often less about exposure and more about relationships, interaction, and everyday life. Key learnings in this episode: * Why children are fully capable of learning multiple languages from an early age * The difference between language exposure and real interaction * How language dominance can shift depending on environment and input * What our experience in Japan taught us about daycare and bilingual development * Practical language options for families raising children in Japan Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com [matchamums@gmail.com]

Interview with Denitsa: The Balance Mothers Actually Need — Lessons from Wabi Tabi Living

In this episode, I’m speaking with Denitsa, founder of Wabi Tabi, a holistic health and wellness practice rooted in the idea of balance. As a certified Macrobiotic Health Coach, she combines principles of Eastern healing, nutrition, and mindful living to support individuals in creating sustainable well-being. Originally from Europe and now based in Tokyo, Denitsa brings a cross-cultural perspective to health, family life, and personal growth. Her work is deeply influenced by the philosophy of finding simplicity and authenticity in everyday life. What we talk about: * Why “balance” is often misunderstood, especially for mothers * How children can mirror the emotional state of their parents * Navigating motherhood and identity across different cultures * The role of imperfection and why letting go of perfectionism matters * How Denitsa structures her daily life to create a more grounded rhythm Key takeaways for listeners: * Balance is not something you achieve once - it’s something you continuously adjust * Emotional awareness as a parent directly shapes the family environment * Small, consistent lifestyle choices often matter more than big changes * Letting go of perfection can create more space for connection and ease * Cultural perspectives can influence how we approach parenting, health, and work More Infos of Denitsa: Webside: https://www.wabitabime.com [https://www.wabitabime.com] Alongside this episode, Denitsa is hosting an intimate two-day retreat by the ocean on April 25–26 — with more retreats planned in the future. The experience includes a one-night stay in a four-star oceanfront hotel, shared meals, a boat trip to an uninhabited island, a tropical garden picnic, onsen and relaxation time, guided reflection sessions, gentle Do-In exercises by the sea, a temple visit, and a few thoughtfully curated touches throughout. Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com [matchamums@gmail.com]

Strollers, Stations & Playgrounds: The Reality of Family Infrastructure around Tokyo

What changes once you have a baby in Japan? In this episode of Matcha Mums, I talk about everyday family infrastructure in the Tokyo area — from navigating trains with a stroller to baby rooms in shopping malls, child-friendly restaurants, and hidden playgrounds across the city. I also highlight Kosodate Hiroba (Child-Rearing Support Centers) — free community spaces where parents with young children can meet, play, and get advice from childcare professionals. This episode is especially helpful for: * New parents in Japan * Families who recently moved here * Expecting parents wondering what daily life with a baby looks like A practical and honest look at getting around Japan with a baby or toddler. https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/residents/en/child/20200325105507586.html [https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/residents/en/child/20200325105507586.html] https://honyaku.j-server.com/LUCFUKUSIA/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.fukushi.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/kodomo/kosodate/hiroba?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=utf-8&XJSID=0 [https://honyaku.j-server.com/LUCFUKUSIA/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.fukushi.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/kodomo/kosodate/hiroba?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=utf-8&XJSID=0] Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com [matchamums@gmail.com]

Getting a Daycare Spot in Japan: Our Hoikuen Experience

How does the childcare system in Japan work? In this episode, I explain the main types of childcare facilities and how parents apply for daycare. I walk through the differences between Hoikuen, Yōchien, and Nintei Kodomoen and private daycare options. I also share our personal experience applying for daycare, including the point system, the application timeline, and what daily life in a Japanese daycare looks like. What you’ll learn in this episode: * An overview of the different day care facilities: private vs. public options * How the application process works (and why timing matters) * And what daily life inside a Japanese daycare actually looks like Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com [matchamums@gmail.com]