Day care centers are classified into three categories: 1. * public (run by the city) 2. * private and certified (run by a private company, but certified by the Japanese government) 3. * private and non-certified (run by a private company) The costs for private (certified and non-certified) day care centers depend on the services they provide. If you need day care on a part-time basis, it is probably cheaper to use a private day care center. Please see the city hall website for more information.