Tokyo introduces four-day workweek to tackle declining birth rate

In a bold step to address Japan’s deepening demographic crisis, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced the rollout of a four-day workweek for its employees. The policy aims to improve work-life balance and create a more supportive environment for working parents, as the country grapples with a shrinking population and aging workforce.

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Alongside the shorter workweek, a “childcare partial leave” policy has also been introduced, allowing working parents to reduce their daily hours by up to two hours. This initiative seeks to offer greater flexibility in managing family responsibilities, especially childcare.

Japan’s fertility rate continues to fall sharply, with only 350,074 births recorded in the first half of 2024—a 5.7% decline from the previous year. The national fertility rate now stands at 1.2 children per woman, significantly below the replacement rate of 2.1. Tokyo’s situation is even more dire, registering a fertility rate of just 0.99.

Persistent gender inequality in domestic roles remains a key contributor to the declining birth rate, with women shouldering a disproportionate share of unpaid household labour. Officials hope that the new workweek structure will promote a more equitable division of responsibilities and improve conditions for child-rearing.

While seen as a progressive move, experts caution that its effectiveness will vary across industries and cultural contexts.