Summer break in Japan family concerns: what's for lunch?

For kids in Japan, summer vacation usually means freedom and fun, but for working parents (especially those where both parents work outside the home), it can be a logistical and emotional minefield. A recent survey of 443 families conducted in late June 2025 was a good indicator of just how intense the stress can get.

While 66% of parents say they continue to go into the office full time during summer break, their children are left at home all day, creating a sharp imbalance in energy, expectations, and daily rhythm.

One of the most difficult issues mentioned was lunch. It may sound simple, but for parents who leave early and return late, making sure their children eat a balanced, timely meal is something that becomes a daily challenge. Parents reported frustration over their kids grazing through the fridge, guilt over resorting to convenience store food, and anxiety about not having the time or energy to prep anything healthy. Among full-time working couples, nearly a third said they felt at their limit and were considering outside support.

The company behind the survey (Kyoto-based AIVICK Co., Ltd) runs a refrigerated meal delivery service, and while they likely have a vested interest in highlighting the issue, I do feel that the responses collected feel familiar to many parents. I think this is especially true for many of us expats navigating work-life balance in Japan without extended family nearby or flexible working hours.

I think that the bigger takeaway isn't just about food, but more so about the growing gap between how families are expected to function during school holidays and the realities of modern working life. Remote work may be gaining traction globally, but many Japanese companies still expect in-person attendance, leaving parents with few practical options. For expats who may be used to longer summer programs or more flexible childcare back home, this can come as a shock.

If you have kids and work outside the home, how do you manage summer break?

Research link: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000045.000016727.html