noun
kindergarten hunting; preschool search
Colloquial abbreviation from 保育園 (nursery school) and 活動 (activity). Refers to the process of parents searching for and applying to daycare or preschool, often in competitive urban areas.
保活が大変で、なかなか保育園が決まらない。
The preschool search is tough, and we just can't get into a daycare.
来年度の入園に向けて、そろそろ保活を始めないと。
We need to start the kindergarten hunt soon for next year's enrollment.