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The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will implement a four-day workweek for its employees starting in April 2024, aiming to support working mothers and address Japan's record-low fertility rate. This initiative allows employees to enjoy three days off per week and reflects a broader push to improve work-life balance and encourage family growth.
In a parallel move, the government announced a policy allowing parents with young children (grades one to three) to reduce work hours for a slight salary adjustment, enabling them to leave work earlier. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike highlighted the importance of revising work styles during her policy address. "Now is the time for Tokyo to protect and enhance lives during these challenging times for the nation," she stated.
Japan has faced a steady decline in birth rates, with just 727,277 births recorded last year and a fertility rate of 1.2, far below the 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population. Experts blame this on the country's grueling work culture and rising living costs, which often force women to choose between careers and family.
To combat this, Tokyo's policies align with national efforts, including encouraging men to take paternity leave and introducing workplace reforms. The gender gap in Japan's workforce participation remains stark, with women at 55% compared to men at 72%, according to World Bank data.
While four-day workweeks have gained popularity in Western countries for improving worker productivity and satisfaction, Japan's corporate culture equates long hours with loyalty, making such changes rare. Yet Tokyo's new approach could signal a shift in attitudes, inspiring other Asian regions like Singapore, which recently introduced flexible work arrangements.
As Tokyo paves the way for family-friendly reforms, it remains to be seen whether these measures can reverse Japan's population crisis while reshaping its workplace culture.
