Starting in April 2025, Tokyo Metropolitan Government employees will shift to a four-day workweek.
This initiative, led by Governor Yuriko Koike, aims to provide a better work-life balance, helping workers juggle their careers with family responsibilities.
This step is part of a broader strategy to combat Japan’s declining birth rates.
Supporting Work-Life Balance
The new policy allows metropolitan government employees to work four days a week, granting them three days off.
Governor Koike explained in a policy speech,
“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.”
The government aims to support employees in managing both child care and work by introducing a new “child care partial leave” system.
This will enable workers to shorten their daily working hours by up to two hours.
Addressing the Fertility Crisis
Japan’s fertility rate fell to a record low of 1.2 children per woman in 2023, with just 727,277 births reported that year—far below the replacement rate of 2.1.
This demographic crisis is closely tied to Japan’s intense work culture, where many people, especially women, find themselves facing the difficult choice between building a career or starting a family.
Last year (2023), the participation rates were 55% for women and 72% for men, highlighting the challenge.
The four-day workweek is designed to alleviate such pressures, encouraging parents to have children while continuing their careers
Part of a Broader Trend
The Tokyo initiative aligns with similar efforts in other regions of Japan, such as Miyagi and Ibaraki Prefectures, which have already implemented or piloted four-day workweek policies for employees with caregiving duties.
These measures reflect a nationwide shift toward more flexible and family-friendly work policies
Challenges and Future Prospects
The policy may face resistance in Japan’s corporate world, where long hours are seen as a sign of loyalty.
However, studies, including those by 4 Day Week Global, show that shorter workweeks can boost productivity, prioritizing family and well-being, and job satisfaction.
Governor Koike emphasized the importance of this move, urging Tokyo to prioritize improving lives, supporting livelihoods, and strengthening the economy, especially during challenging times.
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