Japan is trying to solve its problem of a low birth rate with a new plan. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced that employees will work just four days a week, giving them a three-day weekend.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike shared that starting in April next year, government workers in Tokyo will have the option to take three days off every week. She said, "We want to make sure that people don't have to give up their careers when important life events like having a baby or taking care of children come up."
This plan is part of Japan's effort to raise its birth rate. Last year, Japan's birth rate was 1.2, much lower than the 2.1 level needed to keep the population stable, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare.
Another plan introduced by the Tokyo government lets parents of elementary school children ask for fewer working hours. However, their salary will be reduced if they choose this option.
Japan's birth rate dropped significantly last year, with just 727,277 births recorded, according to government data. Many experts believe Japan’s long work hours are a big reason why people, especially women, find it hard to balance their jobs and family life.
The three-day weekend plan aims to help families grow while keeping the economy strong. It has sparked conversations about how it could improve work-life balance and whether it can help solve Japan’s population problem.
