Tokyo plans to make daycare free to tackle declining birth rate

Japan is facing a serious demographic crisis characterized by a declining birth rate and an aging population. The Tokyo government has announced a significant policy initiative aimed at reversing these trends: starting in September, daycare will be provided free of charge for all pre-school children. This decision marks a critical expansion of previous policies that only offered free daycare for second-born and subsequent children. By broadening this access, the authorities aim to relieve financial burdens on families and encourage childbearing amidst a societal concern over the continually decreasing number of children in the country. The governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, highlighted the urgency of addressing the declining birth rate, stating, "There is no time to spare." This sentiment is shared across various levels of government and resonates with the broader national concern regarding Japan's demographic outlook. Known for having the world's second-oldest population, trailing only Monaco, the implications of a declining youth population are deeply intertwined with labor shortages fueled by strict immigration policies and changing societal norms regarding work and family. The announcement of free daycare was made in early December, just weeks before the new policy is expected to be implemented. This initiative, described as the first of its kind at a regional level in Japan, reflects a growing recognition of the need for systematic changes to bolster social welfare. In conjunction with this policy, Koike has also proposed a four-day work week for government employees as part of a broader effort to make parenthood more appealing and address the needs of young families in the metropolis. This initiative is indicative of a larger trend seen in many developed nations that are grappling with low birth rates. Officials in Tokyo are not only focusing on immediate solutions for the daycare crisis but are also working to create an environment that supports families in their decision to have more children. As policymakers sharpen their focus on social welfare benefits and family-friendly policies, the Tokyo government aims to set a precedent that can inspire similar initiatives across Japan and perhaps even lead to a national shift in demographic policy.