Spatial aspects of the supply-demand gap and its change in childcare services in Naha City, Japan.

Given the recent increase in the number of working mothers, Japanese cities face a shortage of childcare services. In response to this problem, Japan's central government has attempted to expand childcare facilities by implementing a comprehensive support system for children and child-rearing. However, a geographical approach is needed to evaluate the impact of the new system from the viewpoint of territorial justice in order to reconcile efficiency and equity in public service provision.