Tokyo will implement a four-day work week for government employees starting in April 2025, aiming to address Japan’s record-low fertility rate and provide greater support for working mothers, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced recently.
The new policy allows government employees to enjoy a three-day weekend each week. Additionally, parents of young children will be able to leave work early, albeit with a reduced salary. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike emphasized the importance of accommodating life events like childbirth and childcare without sacrificing careers. “We will reimagine work styles to ensure individuals can balance their professional and personal lives,” she stated in comments reported by CNN. She underscored that the initiative is critical for protecting livelihoods and promoting family planning.
Japan’s fertility rate hit a historic low of 1.2 in 2023, well below the replacement level of 2.1 needed for population stability. Only 727,277 births were recorded that year, according to data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Experts cite Japan’s intense work culture, high cost of living, and insufficient parental support as key contributors to the nation’s demographic crisis. Long working hours and “karoshi” (death by overwork) remain significant deterrents for young couples considering starting families.
The gender disparity in Japan’s workforce also reflects the ongoing challenges. Currently, only 55% of women participate in the labor force compared to 72% of men. To address this, the government has introduced policies encouraging paternity leave and promoting flexible work arrangements.
Tokyo’s initiative aligns with a growing global shift toward shorter workweeks. Studies suggest that reducing working hours can improve productivity and employee well-being. However, the concept is still considered groundbreaking in Japan, where workplace commitment is often measured by hours spent at the office.
Other Asian cities are adopting similar strategies. In Singapore, businesses are now required to consider employee requests for flexible work schedules, including four-day workweeks, as part of family-friendly policy reforms.
This progressive step by Tokyo signals a broader attempt to redefine work culture while tackling one of Japan’s most pressing social issues.
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