Tokyo will make day care free for all preschool children starting in September to help address Japan’s low birth rate. The policy will extend free day care to first-born children, reducing financial burdens on families.
Japan faces a declining population, with low birth rates worsening the crisis. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike emphasized the urgency of the situation, echoing warnings from officials about a looming demographic crisis.
Tokyo’s new policy to make day care free for all preschool children is Japan’s first regional initiative of its kind.
Governor Yuriko Koike also plans to introduce a four-day workweek for government staff to encourage parenthood.
Japan faces a growing labor shortage and has the second-oldest population globally. Koike, re-elected in July, has vowed to increase social welfare benefits while addressing challenges like inflation.
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