1. You are correct that material costs need to be addressed, and children are pretty much exotic pets
2. According to the article and google translating the links clicking around, many of them pay off medical copays, childcare services, and other costs. Not to mention this quote saying that local family policy is at best temporary without more national spending

The proactive strategies from these cities offer Japan a lifeline, providing a buffer without a comprehensive national policy and potential synergy if one is implemented.