#125 | Fukae Niji Kodomoen (Hinode Welfare Association) | Nursery Teacher Ririka-sensei
Hello. This is the En-mikke! office.
For our 125th nursery teacher interview, we spoke with Ririka-sensei, a nursery teacher at Fukae Niji Kodomoen (Hinode Welfare Association) in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture.
Q1 Please tell us which class you are in charge of.
This fiscal year, I am in charge of the 2-year-old class.
Q2 Please tell us about your job change.
- What was your motivation for changing jobs?
Starting to live on my own was the catalyst for me to decide to change jobs, as I wanted a fresh start and to face childcare again in a new environment.
- Please tell us how you went about your job search.
I looked for a nursery while keeping the following points in mind.
・Being able to carefully face each child individually
・Having a warm atmosphere where staff can cooperate with each other
・Not being overly chased by events and valuing daily childcare
With these as my criteria, I used a childcare recruitment agency and proceeded with my job search while having nurseries that suited me introduced to me.
- Did you look for a job while you were still working?
Yes. Since I was job hunting while working, I felt it was important to proceed with plenty of time.
I started gathering information around September, visited nurseries around November, and received a job offer within that same month.
By acting early, I think I was able to calmly compare nurseries and choose an environment that suited me.
Q3 Why did you decide to work at Fukae Niji Kodomoen?
Through visiting the nursery and talking with the staff, I resonated with their childcare policy of carefully attending to each child's feelings and growth.
Also, I was attracted to the way the staff cooperated with each other and carried out childcare in a warm atmosphere, so I decided to work here.
Q4 Do you feel any differences from your previous nursery?
Since changing jobs, I feel a sense of security in being able to carry out childcare while cooperating with other staff members.
Also, there are many young staff members, and I feel it is an environment where it is easy to consult about things I don't understand or worries I have.
Furthermore, since there is almost no overtime, I am able to work while valuing the balance between work and my private life.
Q5 What is something you are proud of about Fukae Niji Kodomoen?
Fukae Niji Kodomoen has 'growing carefully during important times' as its basic childcare principle, and we value watching over each child carefully and accepting them positively.
Also, I think the 'warmth like a home' where children can spend their time with peace of mind is a major appeal of the nursery.
Furthermore, there are many bright and kind teachers, and because I can receive generous support and advice, I am able to work with a sense of security.
Q6 Do you have money to spend freely with your current salary? What do you mainly spend it on?
After deducting expenses necessary for living, I am able to spend the rest relatively freely.
While saving money within a reasonable range, I love to eat, so I go out to eat delicious food and enjoy going out.
Finally, a word for students and job seekers aiming to become nursery teachers!
There are difficult moments when working with children, but I believe it is a job where you can feel a great deal of fulfillment and joy in return.
I hope you will pursue a career in childcare at your own comfortable pace, while valuing your own feelings and what is important to you.
Ririka-sensei, thank you for your cooperation with this interview.
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Date of response: February 4, 2026
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Information about Fukae Niji Center for Early Childhood Education and Care, which we heard about today, can be found on the Enmikke! website.
Interview publication period: Until March 31, 2028
To all early childhood education students and job seekers
We are accepting requests for things you would like to ask active nursery teachers, hiring managers, and others.
*Enmikke! will act as an intermediary to ask questions that may be difficult to ask directly.
Interview request form here: https://forms.gle/7r7wV359JPJhakik9