Tokyo is set to implement a **four-day workweek** starting in April 2025 as part of a broader initiative to address the city's declining birth rate and support working parents. This policy, announced by Tokyo Governor **Yuriko Koike**, aims to create more flexible work arrangements, especially for women, who often face challenges balancing career and family responsibilities. Alongside this new work schedule, the government will introduce a "child care partial leave" policy, allowing some employees to reduce their daily hours by two, further facilitating childcare while maintaining employment.
The urgency of these changes arises from Japan's alarming demographic trends. Earlier this year, the country recorded only **350,074 births** from January to June, marking a **5.7% decline** compared to the same period in 2023 and representing the lowest birth figures since records began in 1969. The total fertility rate has plummeted to **1.2 children per woman**, with Tokyo's rate even lower at **0.99**. To maintain a stable population, a fertility rate of **2.1** is necessary, according to the OECD.
Japan's population crisis is compounded by an aging society; approximately **30%** of the population is over 65 years old, leading to increased pressure on social support systems and the economy[4]. Despite various government initiatives since the 1990s—including parental leave policies and financial incentives for families—birth rates have continued to decline over the past eight years.
The four-day workweek is seen as a potential solution to Japan's notoriously demanding work culture, which disproportionately affects women. Research indicates that such a schedule can improve household equity; for instance, during trials in six countries, men reported spending significantly more time on childcare and housework when working fewer days. However, experts caution that while innovative, the four-day workweek may not be a universal remedy for all sectors or individuals.
In summary, Tokyo's initiative reflects a multifaceted approach to combatting Japan's demographic challenges by fostering a more family-friendly work environment and striving for greater gender equality in domestic responsibilities.