Tokyo Implements a Four-Day Work Week to Tackle Record-Low Fertility Rates

Japan, a nation known for its rigorous work culture, is set to implement a groundbreaking policy to address its alarmingly low fertility rates and improve work-life balance. Starting in April 2025, Tokyo will introduce a four-day workweek. The initiative is designed to ease occupational stress and support families, addressing the dual challenges of overwork and declining birth rates.

The term "karoshi," which translates to death by overwork, reflects a deeply ingrained issue in Japan’s workplace culture. This relentless work ethic has contributed significantly to the nation’s fertility crisis. In 2023, Japan’s fertility rate hit a historic low of 1.2, far below the 2.1 rate required to maintain population stability. This alarming trend coincides with the record-low 727,277 births reported last year. Projections estimate Japan’s population could shrink from 128 million in 2008 to just 86.7 million by 2060.

The new policy also includes provisions for parents of elementary school-aged children to reduce their working hours, with proportional salary adjustments. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike emphasized the need to balance careers with life events such as childbirth and childcare, pledging to safeguard the well-being and economic stability of citizens during this pivotal time.

Japan’s struggle with low birth rates is attributed to cultural and economic factors. The demanding work environment, high cost of living, and a significant gender gap in workforce participation—55% for women compared to 72% for men—force many women to choose between career advancement and starting a family.

Global trials of the four-day workweek, spearheaded by nonprofit organizations like 4 Day Week Global, have shown promising results, including improved well-being and productivity. Tokyo’s initiative aligns with similar efforts in countries like Singapore and South Korea, which are also grappling with declining birth rates and gender inequality. South Korea, for instance, faces an entrenched gender divide, with women leading the "4B movement," rejecting traditional expectations of marriage and childbearing.

Tokyo’s innovative approach to revitalizing its population and economy sets a precedent that could influence global labor policies. As the city takes bold steps to support families, it offers a model for balancing work and personal life in an increasingly demanding world.

Refrence From: www.ndtv.com