Tokyo Metropolitan Gov Buildings
Decline in Birth Rates and Tokyo’s Proactive Measures to Support Parenting
In Tokyo, the number of births in 2023 was 86,348, a decrease of 4,749 (5.2%) compared to 91,097 births in the previous year. The total fertility rate in 2023 was 0.99, down 0.05 points from 1.04 in 2022, marking the first time since the survey began that the rate has fallen below 1.00.
Amid these challenging demographic trends, Tokyo Metropolitan Government is implementing a range of child-rearing support measures to counteract the declining birthrate.
Promoting Parental Leave for Fathers: The “TOKYO Papa Parenting Promotion Program”
One notable initiative is the “TOKYO Papa Parenting Promotion Program”, which aims to encourage men to take paternity leave. Companies that meet specific criteria are registered as “TOKYO Papa Parenting Promotion Companies” and awarded a “TOKYO Papa Parenting Promotion Company Mark” based on their achievements in paternity leave adoption rates.
By publicly promoting the efforts and information of these registered companies through a dedicated website and other channels, Tokyo aims to enhance the image of these organizations and foster an environment where male employees feel encouraged to take parenting leave.
Eligibility Criteria for Registration
To qualify for registration as a “TOKYO Papa Parenting Promotion Company,” businesses must meet the following conditions:
- Operate within Tokyo.
- Have at least one male employee who has taken a total of 15 days or more of parenting leave within the past two fiscal years.
- Achieve an average paternity leave rate of 50% or higher for male employees over the past two fiscal years.
- Have no significant legal violations in the past five years.
Recognition Based on Performance
The design of the registration mark changes depending on the company’s historical paternity leave adoption rates, creating a tiered incentive system for continuous improvement.
Benefits of Registration
Businesses that register as “TOKYO Papa Parenting Promotion Companies” gain access to numerous benefits, including:
- The ability to use the registration mark for promotional purposes on company websites, brochures, and business cards.
- Publicity support from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government through a dedicated portal site to showcase company initiatives and activities.
- Access to Tokyo’s small and medium enterprise financing programs.
Through these and other measures, Tokyo is actively working to enhance the child-rearing environment across the city. By creating a supportive framework for parenting and encouraging greater participation from fathers, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is paving the way for a more family-friendly society.
https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tosei/hodohappyo/press/2024/11/08/documents/03_01.pdf
https://www.katei-ryouritsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/danseiikukyu/
Tokyo has been facing a significant decline in birth rates, with only 86,348 births recorded in 2023, a decrease of 4,749 (5.2%) compared to the 91,097 births in 2022. The total fertility rate in 2023 fell to 0.99, down from 1.04 in the previous year, marking the first time the rate has dropped below 1.00 since the survey began.
In response to these demographic challenges, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has introduced various measures to support child-rearing and address the declining birth rate. One of the key initiatives is the “TOKYO Papa Parenting Promotion Programme,” which encourages men to take paternity leave. Companies that meet specific criteria are designated as “TOKYO Papa Parenting Promotion Companies” and awarded a unique mark based on their achievements in paternity leave adoption rates.
The programme promotes these companies through a dedicated website and other platforms, enhancing their public image and fostering an environment where male employees feel empowered to take parenting leave. To qualify for registration, businesses must operate in Tokyo, have at least one male employee who has taken 15 or more days of parenting leave in the past two fiscal years, achieve an average paternity leave rate of 50% or higher for male employees, and have no significant legal violations in the past five years. The registration mark is tiered, reflecting the company’s performance in paternity leave adoption rates, and acts as an incentive for continuous improvement.
Registered companies gain several benefits, including the right to use the registration mark for promotional purposes on websites, brochures, and business cards. They also receive publicity support from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government through a dedicated portal site to showcase their initiatives, as well as access to Tokyo’s small and medium enterprise financing programmes.
Through these efforts, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government aims to create a more supportive environment for child-rearing and encourage greater involvement from fathers, paving the way for a more family-friendly society.
