Japan is one of the countries facing the problem of an aging population but the birth rate is declining. The current birth rate is 1.2 babies per woman, while a rate of 2.1 is needed to maintain the population and workforce. By 2050, more than half of Japan's population will be over 64 years old.
Therefore, various efforts have been made to increase the birth rate again. In Tokyo, a four-day work week has been introduced, especially for female workers who are housewives. With this initiative, flexible working hours can be taken by workers to ensure that work will not interfere with raising a family. The Governor of Tokyo also promised to solve the issue of a shortage of childcare centers and encourage egg freezing by women.
Several prefectures within Tokyo have been trying a four-day work week since last April. Miyagi Prefecture, for example, will allow all civil servants to work four days a week by 2026. Meanwhile, Iwate Prefecture is doing the same because job applications are dwindling. In Malaysia, only a few private companies are doing the same, but the number is still too small.