Saga City Holds Mayor's Press Conference on July 7

Press Conference Highlights

At the mayor's press conference, Saga City unveiled new initiatives to support young generations, parenting families, and community engagement through sports. These include the 'Marriage New Life Support Project' to assist newlywed couples with housing and relocation, short-term childcare stays hosted by certified foster families for parents needing a break, and the first-ever para-sports experience events where people with and without disabilities can enjoy sports together—bringing practical support directly to citizens' daily lives.

Bringing Comfort to the Start of Married Life: The 'Marriage New Life Support Project'

To support newlywed couples starting life in Saga City, a new 'Marriage New Life Support Project' is being launched.

Individuals in their 20s and 30s often face a 'rush hour of life'—a period packed with major life events such as employment, marriage, childbirth, and child-rearing. The city aims to create an environment where people can pursue their desired futures without compromise.

This new support program will provide subsidies of up to 600,000 yen for housing-related expenses during the early stages of marriage, when financial burdens are typically heaviest.

The goal is to reduce financial stress and the burden of household and childcare responsibilities, ensuring that marriage and parenting decisions are not hindered by economic concerns, and giving couples a sense of ease at the start of their new life.

Supporting Parents Who Need a Break: Short-Term Childcare Stays with Foster Families

Short-term childcare stays are designed for parents who temporarily face difficulties in child-rearing due to illness, childbirth, or parenting fatigue. Saga City is now pioneering a new approach by introducing placements with foster families—the first such initiative in the prefecture.

Previously, childcare stays were offered at four municipal child welfare facilities. Starting in June, 16 certified foster families within the city have joined the program. With prefectural certification and the expertise of experienced foster parents, children can now stay in a warm, family-like environment that closely resembles their daily lives.

Since fiscal year 2023, the city has enhanced the program by establishing dedicated rooms, assigning full-time staff, and building systems to support parents experiencing parenting fatigue. As a result, the number of usage days has increased approximately tenfold, and the number of users has grown nearly fourteenfold.

Child-rearing should not be a burden borne solely by families. By leveraging community support, the city aims to give parents a chance to rest while ensuring children feel safe and cared for. Saga City is committed to becoming a city where everyone can raise children with peace of mind.

Learn, Experience, and Get Inspired: First-Ever Para-Sports Experience Events

Saga City will host its first-ever para-sports experience events.

These events are inclusive spaces where anyone—regardless of disability status—can enjoy sports and build connections together. The featured sports are Boccia and balloon volleyball. Four events will be held from August to December, with a large-scale para-sports tournament for around 100 participants scheduled for January 9, 2027.

Inspired by athletes from Shiga’s All-Disability Sports Games who shared how sports enriched their lives, the city is creating accessible opportunities for first-time participants to easily join in.

Through sports, people meet, share joyful moments, and naturally deepen mutual understanding. Saga City aims to use para-sports as a catalyst to build a more inclusive and livable community for all.

Press Conference Materials and Video

All materials and videos from the mayor's press conference are available on the official Saga City website. You can view the press materials and video recordings at the link below:

https://www.city.saga.lg.jp/shisei/shichonoheya/3/4/8448.html