In the shadow of an imposing highway bypass in Yokohama, laughter and excited voices mingle in the small playground of a day care center attended by 52 children no older than 5.
Although the location of the two-story Byobugaura Harukaze Nursery in Isogo Ward is less than ideal, neither the parents nor their children seem unhappy with the service.
"I felt a little apprehensive about the site at first, but once my daughter started attending, that uneasiness disappeared. On rainy days, it's quite convenient to pick her up because the bypass acts as a roof," said Rie Fukazawa, 32, whose 4-year-old daughter goes to the facility.