Blowing Away the National Shortage of Childcare Workers from a Local Level! A Short Drama by a Fukui University to Convey the Charm of Childcare Surpasses 1.86 Million Views in Just 4 Days!

Fukui University of Human Sciences (Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture) and Jin-ai University (Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture), operated by Fukui Jin-ai Gakuen Educational Foundation, in collaboration with Fukui Prefecture, have produced a short drama to convey the charm of childcare as part of the "Childcare Charm Dissemination Project." The drama was released on YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram on July 1, 2026 (Wed.) at 5:00 PM.

Immediately after its release, it spread rapidly among a wide range of age groups, particularly young people, surpassing a total of 1.86 million views in just four days. The project has received significant attention from across the country, with a surge in comments and shares, and a substantial increase in social media followers.

The Harsh Reality Surrounding Childcare

In recent years, negative perceptions of childcare professions have been fueled by media reports on accidents and working conditions in childcare settings. This has led to a nationwide decline in childcare students, forcing some training institutions to suspend admissions.

On the other hand, childcare is a vital profession that supports children's growth and plays a role in building the foundation of their lives.

Fukui University of Human Sciences and Jin-ai University are committed to "disseminating the charm of childcare" by adopting new information dissemination methods utilizing social media, driven by the desire to "deliver the inherent appeal and value of childcare to younger generations."

Short Drama Storyline

The short drama depicts a young girl who, as a child, was gently supported by her kindergarten teacher. Inspired by this experience, she developed admiration for the teacher and, as she grew, embarked on a path to become a kindergarten teacher and childcare provider herself.

The drama expresses the impact of encounters with childcare professionals on a child's life and how the profession of childcare leads to future dreams and growth.

Background of Production: The "Real Original Experiences" of Our Students

While recent years have seen reports on the challenges and staff shortages in childcare settings, the inherent rewards and social value of the childcare profession have not been adequately communicated. However, when interviewing students who enroll in our university, many cite their "admiration for a teacher they encountered in childhood" as their motivation for choosing this path. Focusing on these students' "real origins," we planned a drama in a "vertical short video format" that can be easily viewed on smartphones by everyone from high school students to parents.

【Short Drama Overview】

Item

Details

Release Date and Time

July 1, 2026 (Wed.) 17:00

Main Release Platforms

YouTube Shorts, Instagram, TikTok

Video URL

Links to each social media platform are available on our official website

https://www.jin-ai.ac.jp/jintan_now/2026/07/post-136.php

Total Views

Exceeded 1.86 million total views (as of August 00, 2026, 8:00 AM. Still growing.)

【Total Views for Part 1 and Part 2 Combined】

・YouTube = 994,000 views

・Instagram = 516,000 views

・TikTok = 350,000 views

Filming Location & Cooperation

Affiliated Kindergarten of Fukui University of Human Sciences (Children from the kindergarten appeared as extras)

Production System

Professional actors and a video production company were engaged

New Ways to Convey the Charm of Childcare Through Social Media

On social media platforms, which are used daily by many young people, content that appeals to emotions in a short time has high diffusion power.

In this initiative, we conveyed the appeal and value of childcare professionals through a short drama, something that could not be fully communicated through traditional school brochures and information sessions.

The result of 1.86 million total views indicates that interest and empathy towards the childcare profession still exist in society.

【Reactions to the Short Drama】

We have received numerous comments from viewers. These include comments not only about the drama's content but also about kindergarten teachers.

"I couldn't help but cry," "I want to be a teacher like this," "I want to be a childcare teacher like this in the future."

"I really understood that teachers don't just look after children at school."

"A video that shows the amazingness of teachers."

Comments like these have been received.

Orchestrated by University Public Relations: The Role of Regional Universities Tackling Social Issues

This project goes beyond simply "recruiting students for our university." As a responsible higher education institution responsible for nurturing human resources to support the region, this public relations activity aims to contribute to solving the national social issue of "childcare worker shortages" in close cooperation with the local government (Fukui Prefecture).

The choice of "SNS short drama," a method that appeals to emotions in a short time, was selected to reach audiences who cannot be reached through regular public relations activities such as school brochures and information sessions, leading to the exceptional spread seen this time. We believe this result demonstrates that "interest and empathy towards the childcare profession still deeply exist within current society and among young people."

【Comment from Public Relations Staff (Head of Project Planning)】

The nationwide decline in childcare students is a serious issue that affects Japan's future. With the desire to convey the "moving appeal of nurturing the future" inherent in the childcare profession to the young people who will lead the next era, not just the one-sided reports, we planned this drama. Although childcare professionals consistently rank high in "dream job rankings" for elementary school students, this aspiration tends to decrease by high school. The significant response to this project is proof that many people are interested in this theme. We hope to leverage this response to support young people aiming to become childcare professionals in Fukui Prefecture and across the country.

Future Plans

Fukui University of Human Sciences and Jin-ai University aim to ensure that the positive response from this initiative does not end as a temporary trend. We will continue to collaborate closely with Fukui Prefecture, regularly disseminate information utilizing social media, and consistently deliver content in various forms that conveys the authentic voices of current childcare professionals and our students.

Our goal is to increase the number of young people aspiring to become childcare professionals and contribute to nurturing local human resources who support children's growth.

Inquiries and Interview Requests Regarding This Matter

We kindly request media representatives to widely cover this initiative (the intent of the project, perspectives on SNS marketing, childcare situations in Fukui Prefecture, etc.).

【Contact Information】

Fukui Jin-ai Gakuen Educational Foundation

Jin-ai University Admissions and Public Relations Group, General Academic Affairs Center

Contact: Shinji Nochihisa

TEL: 0776-56-1133

MAIL: [email protected]

【Reference Materials】

l Brochure on the Appeal of Childcare and Education Professions (Released July 2026)

https://www.jin-ai.ac.jp/image/index/sensei_2026.pdf

l Project to Support Students Aiming to Become Childcare Professionals in Fukui Prefecture

https://www.jin-ai.ac.jp/hoiku_project/

l Case report on activities undertaken in collaboration with Fukui Prefecture at the "Expert Conference on the Promotion of Regional Universities (2nd Meeting)" (Held June 10, R7)

https://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/chousa/koutou/133/siryo/1418919_00002.htm