Japan Introduces 4-Day Workweek to Boost National Fertility Rate

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has just introduced the four-day workweek to boost Japan’s fertility rates.

In an attempt to reverse its status as the country with the oldest population in the world, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has just introduced the four-day workweek to boost Japan’s fertility rates.

Long weekends are now a reality for public servants in the nation’s capital. In addition to fewer working days, a new “partial childcare leave” policy will also allow some employees to work two hours less per day.

The measures, which came into effect on April 1st, aim to prevent “karoshi,” or death from overwork, and allow some workers to reduce their hours to create a healthier balance between childcare, family, and work dedication.

Japan’s fertility rate has seen a sharp decline over the years, even as the government intensifies efforts to encourage young people to marry and start families.

Adopting a four-day workweek could help address some of the main issues associated with Japan’s work culture.

According to the IMF, International Monetary Fund, in Japan, women perform five times more unpaid work, such as caring for children and the elderly, than men, which heavily influences their decision on whether to have children or not.

In a speech during a session of the Metropolitan Assembly, Yuriko Koike, governor of Tokyo, spoke about how the new policies would be beneficial, especially for women.

“We will continue to review work styles flexibly to ensure that women do not have to sacrifice their careers due to life events such as childbirth or raising children,” she said.

“Now is the time for Tokyo to take the lead in protecting and improving the lives, livelihoods, and economy of our people during these challenging times for the nation,” she added.

Some studies show that reducing working hours can improve employee well-being and productivity, and companies around the world are beginning to explore more flexible schedules, also as a way to attract new talent seeking a better quality of life.

This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.