Tokyo Launches 4-Day Workweek To Encourage Boost In Fertility Rate| Photo: AP Tokyo Launches 4-Day Workweek To Encourage Boost In Fertility Rate| Photo: AP

Amid fears of a baby crisis across East Asia, Tokyo is working to introduce a four-day workweek for all government employees. Based on reportsph777 casino, the Japanese capital has decided to take this step to boost fertility rates and family time.

In its announcement, the Tokyo Metropolitan government stated that this new workweek will begin from April 2025 onwards. Under this scheme, employees will get three days off every week.

In another scheme, the Japanese capital will also allow parents with children in elementary schools to clock out early, but if they are willing to cut a bit from their salaries for the extra time.

“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,” said Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike while announcing the plan.

The goal of this policy is to assist working parents, especially women, to achieve a better work-life balance. The scheme will be applicable to over 160,000 workers of theTokyo Metropolitan Government. Based on its findings, the scheme will then be extended.

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Japan's Fertility Rate Hits All-Time Low

Japan's fertility rate reached a new low in June despite government-driven efforts to encourage young people to get married and start families.

As per the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan recorded only 727,277 births last year and the fertility rate has dropped further to 1.2 percent. For a population to remain stable, a fertility rate of 2.1 percent is required.

"In these difficult times for the country, Tokyo must take the initiative to safeguard and improve the lives, livelihoods, and economy of our people," Tokyo's governor added.

East Asia's Baby Crisis

Japan is not the only country with a plunging fertility rate. Countries such as China, South Korea and Singapore.

In South Korea, low birthrates have been declared a national emergency despite government-driven efforts towards parenthood and family planning.

As per Statistics Korea, the country's birthrate dropped to 0.72 percent in 2023, as compared to 2022'a 0.78 percent.

Just like Japan, South Korea also has a deep gender divide. With a high number of cases of sexual misconduct, harassment and violence against women, South Korean women have pledged to the 4B movement - which calls for a strike against marriage, childbirth and sex with men.

In China, the birthrate stands at 1.18 percent. China's drop in birthrate not only brings it a baby crisis but the burden of an older population.

Over in Singaporeph777 casino, a steady decline has been reported in the Total Fertility Rate of the country over the past three decades. In 2023, the fertility rate reached a historic low of 0.97 percent.

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