Tokyo to Launch Four-Day Workweek for Government Workers to Address Falling Birth Rates

The city of Tokyo will implement a four-day workweek for government employees starting in April, a move aimed at supporting working mothers and addressing Japan’s declining fertility rate. This initiative by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will allow employees to take three days off each week. Additionally, the government introduced a policy enabling parents of young children, particularly those with children in grades one to three of elementary school, to leave work early by accepting a reduction in their salaries.

“We will review work styles … with flexibility, ensuring no one has to give up their career due to life events such as childbirth or childcare,” Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said during a policy speech unveiling the plan. She emphasized the importance of adapting to societal changes, stating, “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.”

Japan has struggled with a declining birth rate for years, hitting a record low in June despite various government campaigns encouraging marriage and parenthood. Last year, only 727,277 births were registered in the country. The fertility rate, which represents the average number of children a woman has during her lifetime, fell to 1.2. This is far below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to sustain the population, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

To counter this demographic crisis, the Japanese government has introduced several urgent policies, including measures to encourage men to take paternity leave. Local governments have also implemented initiatives aimed at improving working conditions.

Sociologists point to Japan’s demanding work culture and high living costs as key reasons for the country’s low birth rate. Grueling working hours have long been a hallmark of corporate Japan, where health issues linked to overwork are common. In severe cases, this has led to “karoshi,” a term meaning death caused by excessive work.

Women in Japan face significant challenges in balancing careers and family life. The country’s culture of overtime work often makes pregnancy and raising children particularly challenging. This pressure is compounded by a stark gender gap in labor force participation. According to the World Bank, in 2023, only 55% of Japanese women participated in the labor force compared to 72% of men, a disparity that is larger than in other high-income nations.

The concept of a four-day workweek has gained traction in some Western countries, where companies are exploring it as a means to improve work-life balance and attract talent. Studies have shown that compressed work schedules can enhance worker well-being and productivity. However, the idea remains unconventional in Japan, where long hours are often equated with dedication and loyalty to employers.

Tokyo’s initiative aligns with broader trends in Asia, where other governments are also experimenting with family-friendly policies. Earlier this year, Singapore introduced new guidelines requiring companies to consider employees’ requests for flexible working arrangements, including four-day workweeks or flexible hours.

By reimagining traditional work structures, Tokyo aims to create a more supportive environment for families while addressing the nation’s demographic challenges. Whether this bold approach will inspire similar changes across Japan remains to be seen.