Joey HomeCare Delivers Bilingual Babysitting with Heart in Tokyo
Finding trustworthy, nurturing childcare as a foreigner in one of the world’s most densely-populated cities comes with a unique set of hurdles that can be hard to manage. On top of that, support from experts with a truly nurturing, personalized approach it is hard to come by in a city as bustling and busy as Tokyo. That’s where Joey HomeCare steps in. Founded by Maika Takagi, a seasoned professional with a rich background in nursing, early childhood education and nutrition. Joey HomeCare brings a holistic and heartfelt approach to babysitting and homecare that’s unlike anything in the city.
Bilingual Babysitting in Tokyo Backed by Healthcare and Montessori Expertise
Maika’s journey began in Japan as a registered nurse, specializing in gynecology and diet. After relocating to Sydney, she transitioned into early childhood education, including hands-on experience in Montessori settings. Over the course of six years, she worked as an educator and babysitter. This all while pursuing a Certificate IV in Nutrition and teaching family-friendly cooking classes. Her unique blend of healthcare knowledge and child development training is what shapes Joey HomeCare’s philosophy: nurturing the whole child while supporting the entire family.
Families Maika worked with in Australia have praised her calm, gentle nature and her ability to communicate clearly with both children and adults. Alicia Lucas, a sports commentator and Olympic gold medalist said: “Maika was an incredible sitter who made our girls (ages 3.5 and 1.5) feel so comfortable. She bought Japanese books and stories to assist with our daughters’ learnings at school. Even toys of her own to provide a new, stimulating environment for them. At our first meeting we felt an instant warmth and we were grateful for her flexibility and adaptability whilst caring for our girls. Both of them speak fondly of their time having Maika look after them.”
Meanwhile another client Charlotte Ying said: “Maika was an invaluable part of our family for four years in Sydney, Australia, caring for our two children with love, patience and professionalism. She started when our first son was only six months old and continued until we had our second son. From the very beginning, Maika built a strong bond with our children. Providing not only excellent care but also fostering their growth and development. She is highly reliable, punctual, and always goes above and beyond to ensure the well-being and happiness of our little ones. Whether it was organizing creative activities, or preparing nutritious meals, Maika approached every task with enthusiasm and dedication.”
Maika’s approach is compassionate and all-encompassing. She takes care to make true connections with the families. Meanwhile she works with and shares her expertise in nutrition and early learning principles. Now her passion has inspired her to bring this holistic care model back to her home country. “I returned to Japan and saw a real need for a trusted, local ally for expat families,” she explains. “One Australian mother called me her ‘dream child carer’ because of my background and bilingual skills. That really solidified my decision to launch Joey HomeCare.”
Her mission is more than just childcare. She has helped expat families navigate doctor visits, make important phone calls, and even interpret at banks—showing how essential it is for families to have a caring, bilingual presence they can rely on when living in a foreign country.
Joey HomeCare’s approach reflects the values she cultivated during her years in Australia: independence, respect for each child’s unique pace of learning, and fostering natural curiosity. “When I arrived in Sydney, I had nothing—no job, no connections,” she reflects. “But I was blessed by people who supported me. Now I want to give back by creating a warm, inclusive environment for children and their families in Japan.”
Personalized, Safe, and Educational Childcare Services in Tokyo
What sets Joey HomeCare apart is its flexible, tailored approach, adapting to each family’s preferences. Whether they seek play-based learning, structured Montessori-style activities or a blend of both. Every session is customized to the child’s developmental stage and interests. It incorporates both hands-on exploration through reading, puzzles, cooking or creative arts. For families who prefer Montessori-inspired care, Maika integrates child-led learning, practical life skills and sensory-rich activities that foster independence and curiosity. Meanwhile, her 15+ years of ballet experience add a unique element, encouraging creative movement and self-expression through music and rhythm.
Of course, communication with parents is a key part of the service. “At the end of every session, I share a detailed update about the child’s day—what we did, how they felt and any cute or funny things they said,” she says. For evening jobs, she provides updates once the child is asleep, including dinner and bedtime routines. She shares photos upon request, keeping parents connected and reassured even when they’re away.
Safety is never an afterthought. Joey HomeCare ensures every environment is childproofed and secure, and extra precautions are taken when in unfamiliar spaces. Clear communication with parents around routines and potential concerns is part of the standard process.
And perhaps most importantly, Joey HomeCare champions bilingual development. “I was inspired by seeing so many children in Australia grow up speaking two languages. I want to support that same experience here in Japan,” she says. “Children absorb so much, and being exposed to both English and Japanese, any language can help them flourish in an international world.
For families in Tokyo looking for a babysitter who does more than just watch their children—someone who engages, educates and truly cares—Joey HomeCare offers a refreshing and thoughtful choice.
“At the heart of everything I do is the belief that childcare should be a partnership with families, grounded in trust,” Maika says. “When families feel supported, children flourish.”
You can reach out to Maika over email or Instagram:
Joeyhomecare@gmail.com
INSTAGRAM