The Tokyo government plans to introduce a four-day workweek for its employees starting in April to support young families and address Japan’s historically low fertility rates.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, in a policy speech at the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly’s fourth regular session, emphasized the need for flexible work styles so individuals do not have to sacrifice their careers due to life events like childbirth or child care. The initiative comes at a critical time, as Japan’s fertility rate has reached a record low. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, the rate dropped to just 1.2 children per woman last year, far below the 2.1 needed for a stable population.
Koike also unveiled a program allowing parents of primary school-aged children to exchange part of their salary for reduced working hours. This includes an option to leave work up to two hours earlier daily, enabling a better work-life balance.
“In these challenging times for the nation, Tokyo must lead efforts to protect and enhance the lives, livelihoods, and economy of its people,” Koike said.
Japan recorded only 727,277 births last year, and experts attribute the decline partly to a culture of excessive overtime, which often forces women to choose between their careers and starting a family. Data from the World Bank highlights a significant gender gap in Japan’s workforce, with a participation rate of 72% for men compared to 55% for women, a disparity larger than in other high-income nations.
Under the new policy, more than 160,000 Tokyo Metropolitan Government employees will benefit from having Fridays off. The initiative also aims to help working parents, particularly women, better manage their professional and childcare responsibilities.
The move aligns with global trends. A 2022 pilot program for a four-day workweek, organized by the NGO 4 Day Week Global, found that over 90% of participants preferred the new schedule. They reported improvements in happiness, work-life balance, and overall physical and mental well-being. The trial also showed significant reductions in burnout, stress, and work-family conflict, with participants rating the experience 9.1 out of 10.
