The Rise of Home Management Services in Japan: Catering to the Needs of a Changing Society

A Growing Demand for Domestic Help

Japan’s increasing number of elderly and single-person households has led to a notable rise in the demand for home management services. This trend is evident from the 7% price increase in housekeeping services over the past five years. Contrary to past perceptions that such services were primarily for dual-income families, there’s a growing demand among the time-conscious Generation Z and the elderly living alone. Local governments in Japan have recognized this shift and are initiating subsidy programs to make these services more accessible.

Diverse Needs, Expanding Market

The client base for housekeeping services in Japan has diversified significantly. Companies like Bears have witnessed a 2.5-fold increase in usage among single and young families aged 20 to 30 since 2014. Services are no longer limited to cleaning but have expanded to include changing light bulbs, checking mail, and disposing of garbage for elderly clients. This shift reflects a broader acceptance of outsourcing domestic tasks to focus on work or personal interests.