Kaneka Enters the Women’s Healthcare Business to Support Pregnancy and Childbirth
— Partnership Agreements Signed with Shiga and Himeji to Promote Preconception Care —
KANEKA CORPORATION
January 9, 2026
Kaneka Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Kazuhiko Fujii) is entering the women’s healthcare business to support pregnancy and childbirth, with the aim of providing solutions to Japan’s increasingly serious issue of declining birthrates. As part of this initiative, in December 2025, Kaneka signed partnership agreements with Shiga Prefecture and Himeji City to promote Preconception Care (*1).January 9, 2026
Based on these agreements, Kaneka will begin a feasibility study to evaluate the effectiveness of “MyPrecca™” (*2), a preconception care application which was developed through joint research with the National Center for Child Health and Development (hereinafter "NCCHD"). The study will target women aged 18–39 who consent to use the application.
“MyPrecca™” is an application that enables users to easily visualize their Preconception Care status based on the NCCHD’s “Precon” Check Sheet (*3). By recording daily habits such as diet, exercise, and sleep, the application provides regular advice and reports to promote health improvement. Through this, it aims to encourage users to become more aware of their health and lifestyles habits and take steps toward positive behavioral change. Based on the evaluation results from both municipalities, we plan to expand the service nationwide to local governments and companies starting in fiscal year 2026.
Leveraging the expertise gained through its medical device business and technologies held across the Kaneka Group, we are also conducting trial operations of an intravaginal flora (microbiota) testing service (*4) at fertility clinics. Going forward, in addition to testing services and preconception care, we will further expand women’s healthcare solutions to promote awareness of and support for pregnancy and childbirth.
Based on our mission of KANEKA thinks “Wellness First”, will contribute to solving the declining birthrate issue and to improving Quality of Life, including women’s health and working styles, through the social implementation of highly differentiated solutions.
(*1) Refers to “having accurate knowledge about sexuality and reproductive health at an appropriate time, regardless of gender, and managing one’s health while considering life design (future planning), including pregnancy and childbirth, as well as future health.” It is recommended by the CDC and WHO. In Japan, the country’s first specialized outpatient clinic was established in 2015 within the NCCHD. It is considered important for all young people, regardless of gender or whether they wish to become pregnant, and is expected to contribute to improved long-term health. In May 2025, the Children and Families Agency announced a Five-Year Plan to Promote Preconception Care, and local governments are also considering exploring related initiatives.
(*2) Kaneka developed based on joint research with Dr. Naoko Arata, Department of Women’s Internal Medicine, Women’s Comprehensive Care Center, and Dr. Asako Mito, Chief Physician, Preconception Care Center, Integrated Center for Women's Health NCCHD.
(*3) “Precon” Check Sheet (in Japanese): Integrated Center for Women's Health Preconception Care Center
https://www.ncchd.go.jp/hospital/about/section/preconception/pcc_check-list.html
(*4) The vagina contains a flora (microbiota) composed of bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria. It has been reported that when bacteria other than lactic acid bacteria proliferate, the risk of infections and pregnancy-related complications increases.
“MyPrecca™” application
For “MyPrecca™” application inquiries:
Kaneka Corporation
Medical Solutions Vehicle
New Business Development Group Women’s Healthcare Business Development Project
E-mail: info_womens_healthcare@kaneka.co.jp
