Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. FAQs on NAOJ Childcare Room "Hoshinoko".

Q1. I would like to get specific information about the childcare room, such as what I need to prepare. What should I do?

A1. Please send an email to the Employee Affiars Unit (shokuin_at_nao.ac.jp) so that we can send you a booklet for the childcare room. (Please replace _at_ with @.)

2. FAQs on Gender Equality

Q1. Are there any childcare services available when coming for a job interview for a position at NAOJ?

A1. Temporary childcare services (paid) at the Childcare Room “Hoshinoko” in Mitaka Campus are available. However, space is limited and depending on your preferred date, there may be cases when your request is denied. It is possible to tour the facilities beforehand. In either case, submit an application between four weeks and one week before your interview date, or when unavoidable circumstances occur, by 2:00 p.m. on the business day immediately preceding your interview date.
Childcare Room “Hoshinoko”

Q2. Are there any childcare services available immediately after becoming a member of NAOJ?

A2. You can apply for the temporary or monthly services at the Childcare Room "Hoshinoko" if there is a vacancy. (Both are paid services.)
Childcare Room “Hoshinoko”

Q3. When members of NAOJ have to bring infants or toddlers, or children elementary school children up to sixth grade with them to work, how should they do it?

A3-1. For infants and toddlers, they can apply for the temporary childcare services (paid) at the Childcare Room "Hoshinoko."
Childcare Room “Hoshinoko”

A3-2. NAOJ members who meet certain requirements, such as those employed under the Discretionary Labor System, can use the Working-With-Children Space. The room can also be used for breastfeeding.

Q4. Are there any services available for researchers planning to attend a research conference organized by NAOJ or held at Mitaka Campus while accompanied by their infants or toddlers?

A4. They can apply for the temporary childcare services (paid) at the Childcare Room "Hoshinoko;" their applications will be processed before the start of the normal use application period. Regardless of whether they use Hoshinoko or other nurseries, they can benefit from the childcare cost assistance of the child daycare support system for guests attending workshops held by NAOJ. Visitors from abroad or foreigners can also apply to use “Hoshinoko,” but all the communications between parents and nursery staff will be in Japanese. So, if non-Japanese speakers are to use the room, the NAOJ staff member who accepted them should follow-up with the nursery when children are dropped off or picked up.
Childcare Room “Hoshinoko”

Q5. Are there any services available for NAOJ researchers when going on a business trip with their infants or toddlers to attend an NAOJ-hosted/sponsored research meeting held outside Mitaka Campus?

A5. There are NAOJ’s Daycare Support System for research conference attendees, and NINS’s Childcare Support System and Support System for Business Travel with Children.
NAOJ’s Child Daycare Support System (for conferences/business trips)
NINS’s Childcare Support System

Q6. Are there any services available when going on a business trip with infants or toddlers to attend research meetings that is held outside NAOJ and not hosted/sponsored by NAOJ, but whose theme matches my research interests?

A6. NINS offers financial support for child daycare expenses and for transportation expenses for children accompanying their parents on a business trip. NAOJ offers its own financial support for child daycare. (Note that some of the services are mutually exclusive.)
NAOJ’s Child Daycare Support System (for conferences/business trips)
NINS’s Childcare Support System

Q7. Is there any leave or other benefits available when NAOJ members are involved in childbirth or childcare?

A7. There are a range of benefits available, including both paid and unpaid leave, such as Special Leave and Childcare Leave systems, as well as benefits to reduce working hours.

Q8. Are there Special Leave benefits available for male NAOJ members when their spouse gives birth?

A8. Although not well known, NAOJ offers special leave benefits available for male members in such situations.

Q9. Are there any restrictions on working hours applicable to NAOJ members after recovering from childbirth or while raising children?

A9. There are restrictions on overtime and late-night work. The application procedure starts with requests from the relevant employees.

Q10. Can all NAOJ members receive the same opportunities for leave or reduced working hours?

A10. They can receive basically the same opportunities, but because their working hours differ slightly depending on their positions, the services available to them also differ. RCUH employees at the Subaru Telescope or local employees at NAOJ Chile are subject to the laws of the respective countries.

Q11. How their term of the contract will be affected if NAOJ researchers in a fixed-term position take maternity or childcare leave during the term?

A11. The term of the contract for NAOJ Fellows and Project Research Fellows may be extended by the same amount as their period of maternity and/or childcare leave.

Q12. Are there any NAOJ-hosted events that members of NAOJ can participate in with their children?

A12. There is a Family Day at Mitaka Campus for members once a year (during the Japanese summer vacation season).