Hitomi Kitagawa

President, General Incorporated Association IMI
Entrepreneur and Childcare Professional

 

Biography

Hitomi Kitagawa (born January 7, 1989) is a Japanese entrepreneur and licensed childcare worker. She serves as the president of the General Incorporated Association IMI, based in Sapporo. Kitagawa advocates for "Balanced Childcare with Paternal and Maternal Affection" and is dedicated to improving work environments for childcare workers while supporting children’s independence.

 

Early Life and Career

Born in Asahikawa and raised in Sapporo, Kitagawa developed an early interest in contributing to society. During her student years, she struggled with interpersonal relationships but found purpose through her experiences in childcare, social welfare, and human connection.

After graduating from Koen Gakuen Women's Junior College with a degree in childcare, she began her career in April 2009 at a welfare facility for the elderly and individuals with severe intellectual disabilities. Later, she worked in therapeutic childcare for children with autism and intellectual disabilities, gaining hands-on experience in the field of social welfare.

While working in childcare, she realized that the primary issue was not the "quality of care" but the "environment" supporting it. Witnessing overworked childcare workers, she felt a strong calling to create a safe and happy workplace. These experiences led her to establish IMI in April 2013—starting from zero, with no staff or facilities.

 

 

Key Initiatives and Projects

Childcare Services

• Kids Room NaruNaru no Ki: Operated in Chuo-ku, Sapporo. Previously operated in Toyohira-ku until its closure in March 2024.

• Philosophy: Emphasizes “enclosed, attentive care” in small groups, with measures to prevent staff exhaustion and respond to various needs including night, emergency, and sick childcare.

• Community Integration: Provides event-based childcare at venues such as local spas and theaters (e.g., Shiki Theatre Company, Toei).

• Business Strategy: Values child satisfaction as the best advertisement, avoiding excessive web marketing and focusing instead on educational toys and quality care.

• Safety Management: Following an injury incident in 2017, established the “IMI Motto” and committed to “zero-injury childcare.” IMI has received perfect audit scores from the Sapporo City Child Future Bureau.

• Future Vision: Plans to establish an infant care facility for children lacking familial ties, addressing modern issues of social isolation.

 

Parenting Time Support

• Service: Offers neutral, third-party supervised visitation support for children of separated or divorced parents, prioritizing child welfare.

• Online Access: Enabled remote visitation including international meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Paternal Love Perspective: Recognizes that in some cases, not meeting the father is in the child’s best interest; supports meaningful, not obligatory, connections.

 

Education and Training

• Exam Preparation: Lectured for national childcare certification exams at Tokyo Academy Sapporo.

• Community Outreach: Hosted seminars on childcare options and realities at civic centers.

• Corporate and School Programs: Delivered training for corporate managers and high school students on the future of childcare and leadership.

 

Additional Roles and Certifications

• Real Estate License: Holds a real estate broker license, believing facility knowledge supports better childcare environments.

• Security Work: Performs gymnasium security duties with her sister, aligning with her principle of “protecting people.”

• Public Engagement: Member of Sapporo Gender Equality Council.

• Future Foresight & AI: Runs the “Kitagawa Research Institute,” exploring scenarios like “mass unemployment of civil servants” and “multicultural workforce competition.” Enthusiastic about AI applications in childcare and society.

 

 

Philosophy

 

Balanced Childcare with Paternal and Maternal Affection

 

Kitagawa proposes a new model of care that integrates both nurturing and guiding principles.

• Definition of Paternal Love: Not just a supplement to maternal care, but a compass helping children build autonomy.

• “Guided Care” Concept: Emphasizes “raising” rather than “protecting” children, allowing them to experience challenges and grow.

• Trust over Control: Prefers “believing love” over “teaching love,” prioritizing freedom and respectful observation.

• Fostering Resilience: Teaches moral boundaries, social rules, and the courage to face adversity.

• Gender-Neutral Practice: Stresses that paternal love can be demonstrated by any caregiver, regardless of gender.

• Sustainability for Caregivers: Aims to reduce emotional burnout among childcare workers.

 

 

Creating a Supportive Workplace

• Positive Environment: Maintains “a bright and supportive workplace” as her core management principle.

• Team Harmony: Values individual strengths, encouraging mutual learning among staff.

• Professional Boundaries: Encourages respectful interactions to preserve mental well-being.

• Compensation Vision: Limits her own salary (up to 3 million yen/year) to increase staff pay. Has piloted hourly rates of 2,000 yen for event care, and includes personalized letters with bonuses.

• Family Involvement: Supports family-run operations, working with her mother, sister, and aunt.

 

 

Valuing Human Connection

• Real Communication: Emphasizes face-to-face relationships in an era dominated by online interaction.

• Community Engagement: Actively participates in local events and neighborhood associations.

• Gratitude: Always acknowledges mentors and supporters from the early days of IMI.

 

 

Personal Philosophy

• Perspective on Death: Lives by imagining “how I want to die,” leading to clarity in decision-making.

• Song “Sora”: A self-written song expressing her desire to embrace all emotions and support others like the vast sky.

• Never Give Up: Adopts a flexible and resilient mindset—“try again as many times as necessary.”

• Pursuit of Harmony: Inspired by Confucian values and Eiichi Shibusawa’s “Ethics and Economics,” she strives for authentic interpersonal harmony.

• Action-Oriented: Believes in doing what can be done now, rather than delaying.

 

 

Publications and Media

• Books:

  • The Age of Paternal Love

  • Hitomi Kitagawa Interview (IMI Booklet)

• Media Appearances:

  • TV: Featured on UHB, HTB, HBC, TBS, TVh, STV, etc.

  • Radio: HBC Radio “Hokkaido Genki Bito”

  • Magazines: Sapporo Public Relations, Job Kita, Sapporo Chamber of Commerce publications

 

 

Certifications

• Licensed Childcare Worker

• Licensed Real Estate Broker

 

 

Key Figures

• Family: Her mother, sisters, and extended family are involved in IMI operations—from design and marketing to security services.

• Dr. Horino: Former medical advisor and beloved mentor (deceased).

• “K”: Former head childcare worker and trusted longtime colleague.

• Ms. Minagawa (Kitakari Law Office): Legal advisor for visitation support.

• Mr. Ogawa (Notary): Assisted in founding IMI’s corporate structure.

• Ms. Miho Takahashi: Politician supported by Kitagawa.