An initiative aimed at supporting young families and reversing the nation’s record-low fertility rates, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike announced the introduction of a four-day workweek for metropolitan government employees, effective April next year (2025).

During a policy speech at the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, Koike emphasized the importance of flexible work arrangements, stating, “We will review work styles with flexibility, ensuring no one has to give up their career due to life events such as childbirth or child care.”

This new policy comes in response to Japan’s alarming fertility rate, which fell to just 1.2 children per woman in 2022, significantly below the 2.1 needed for population stability. Despite various government efforts to encourage family growth, only 727,277 births were recorded last year, as reported by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

In addition to the four-day workweek, Koike announced a supplementary measure allowing parents of elementary school children to exchange a portion of their salaries for the ability to leave work early. She stated, “Now is the time for Tokyo to take the initiative to protect and enhance the lives, livelihoods and economy of our people during these challenging times for the nation.”

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The new measures aim to address Japan’s longstanding overtime work culture, which often forces women to choose between their careers and family life. According to the World Bank, the gender gap in labor force participation remains significant, with only 55% of women participating compared to 72% of men.