Tokyo Government introduces 4-day work week to boost birth rate

By Alimat Aliyeva

Tokyo is set to introduce a four-day working week for government employees, aiming to support working mothers and address the country's record-low birth rate, Azernews reports.

The government has announced that the new work schedule, which will begin in April, will allow employees to have three days off each week. Additionally, a new policy will enable parents of children in primary school grades one through three to exchange part of their salary for the opportunity to take an early vacation.

"We will review work schedules with flexibility in mind so that no one has to give up their career due to life events, such as the birth of a child or caregiving responsibilities," said Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike.

"Now is the time for Tokyo to take the initiative to protect and strengthen the lives, livelihoods, and economy of our people during these challenging times for the country," she added.

Japan’s birth rate has been plummeting for years, and in June, it reached another record low. This is despite government efforts to encourage young people to marry and start families.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, only 727,277 births were recorded last year, with the birth rate dropping to an all-time low of 1.2 children per woman. To maintain a stable population, a fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman is necessary.

Many sociologists point to Japan's demanding work culture and the rising cost of living as key factors driving the decline in birth rates. The country’s grueling workdays have long been a significant issue, with workers frequently suffering from health problems. In extreme cases, this has led to "karoshi," a term for death caused by overwork.

To address these issues, the four-day workweek and other family-friendly policies are seen as part of a broader effort to promote a healthier work-life balance and encourage family life. The government hopes that these measures will ease the pressures on parents and create a more supportive environment for raising children, which could ultimately help reverse the declining birth rate.