Tokyo Introduces 4-Day Work Week to Tackle Declining Birth Rates
In a bold move to tackle Japan's alarming fertility crisis, the city of Tokyo has announced plans to adopt a four-day workweek starting in April 2025. The initiative is designed to address the country's growing concerns over its record-low birth rate, which has been steadily declining for years. This policy aims to offer a healthier work-life balance while encouraging family growth—a step that could potentially reverse the demographic crisis.
A Dual Solution: Work-Life Balance and Fertility Boost
The four-day workweek in Tokyo is not just about reducing hours but also about giving families more time to focus on raising children. The policy is a response to Japan’s persistent “karoshi” problem, where excessive work stress leads to health issues and, in some cases, even death. The term "karoshi" has long been associated with Japan's intense work culture, which many experts believe has played a role in the country’s declining birth rates.
With the new policy, employees will have more time to spend with their families, a crucial factor in encouraging young people to start families. Along with this, another policy will allow parents of elementary school children to reduce their work hours without fear of financial strain, as their salaries will be adjusted accordingly.
The Fertility Crisis
Japan’s fertility rate hit a new low in June, with only 727,277 babies born in the previous year, and the fertility rate dropping to 1.2. For a population to remain stable, a fertility rate of 2.1 is required. This sharp decline is expected to result in a drastic population drop, with projections showing the population shrinking from 128 million in 2008 to just 86.7 million by 2060.
Governor Yuriko Koike addressed the urgent need for this policy shift, 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.”
Work Culture and Gender Gaps
The deep-rooted issue lies in Japan’s demanding work culture, which has made it challenging for many young couples to balance careers and family life. Sociologists point out that high living costs and the relentless work schedule discourage people from having children.
Gender inequality also plays a significant role. The labor force participation rate for women is only 55%, compared to 72% for men, creating a societal pressure for women to choose between career and family. This has led to a huge gender gap, with women often bearing the brunt of the responsibility for childcare, which in turn affects their decision to have children.
Global Interest in the Four-Day Workweek
The idea of a four-day workweek has already been gaining traction worldwide. Studies have shown that this work model improves employee well-being, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. A nonprofit organization, 4 Day Week Global, has conducted global trials of this workweek and reported positive results in countries such as the U.S. and the UK.
While Japan leads the way in Asia, other countries, including Singapore and South Korea, are also experimenting with policies to combat low birth rates and improve work-life balance. In South Korea, women have increasingly rejected traditional gender roles through movements like the “4B movement,” which advocates for rejecting relationships with men in response to the country’s gender inequality and low fertility rates.
What’s Next for Japan’s Future?
As Tokyo embraces this groundbreaking policy, many will be watching to see if it can make a tangible difference in Japan’s demographic trajectory. If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges, offering a potential solution to the global fertility crisis.
This policy shift may not only change the work culture in Japan but could also spark a broader global conversation about work-life balance, gender equality, and the importance of family-friendly policies in securing a nation’s future.
Reference from:- https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/tokyo-sees-4-day-work-week-to-aid-families-amid-record-low-fertility-rate-7224380