MAEBASHI, Gunma Pref. (Kyodo) A growing number of local governments are handing out discount cards for goods and services to families with children to promote the creation of family-friendly communities.

But since the plan depends on the shops' goodwill to shoulder the amount of the discount, the number of participating stores is growing at a snail's pace.

According to the Cabinet Office, 40 of Japan's 47 prefectures offer support programs.