Japan has come up with a bold move to sustain the country’s declining fertility rate and provide support for working mothers. The four-day workweek policy will be introduced by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government starting in April. This new policy aims to offer greater flexibility for government workers, enabling them to enjoy three days off per week.
Governor Yuriko Koike emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader effort to create a more inclusive work environment, where career advancement is not hindered by family responsibilities such as childbirth and childcare. “We will review work styles with flexibility, ensuring no one has to give up their career due to life events,” she stated during a policy announcement on Wednesday.
The policy is part of Japan’s ongoing struggle to reverse its declining fertility rate, which has reached a historic low. In June, the fertility rate dropped to just 1.2, far below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population. Experts point to Japan’s demanding work culture, where long hours and a lack of work-life balance deter young people from starting families.
In addition to the four-day workweek, the Tokyo government announced another policy aimed at supporting parents. Starting in April, parents of children in grades one to three will have the option to reduce their salaries in exchange for earlier working hours, further helping to ease the burden on working parents.
Japan’s fertility concerns have prompted the government to introduce various reforms, such as encouraging men to take paternity leave and improving working conditions. However, Japan’s historically rigid work culture, where long hours are equated with loyalty to the company, poses a significant challenge to these efforts. Sociologists argue that these work pressures, along with the high cost of living, are major factors contributing to Japan’s declining birth rates.
Other nations in Asia are also taking similar steps to support families. Singapore recently introduced policies allowing flexible work arrangements, including the possibility of four-day workweeks, which have been well-received as a solution to the growing demand for better work-life balance.
The four-day workweek in Tokyo signals a shift toward more family-friendly policies in Japan and could set a precedent for other cities and countries facing similar demographic challenges.
