Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike unveiled the policy during a recent speech, emphasizing the importance of creating flexible work arrangements that enable individuals to balance career and family responsibilities. The policy also includes a provision for parents of children in grades one to three in elementary school to trade part of their salary for the option to leave work early. This initiative is designed to reduce the pressures that often force parents, particularly women, to choose between their careers and raising children.

Japan's fertility rate, which has seen a steady decline over the years, reached another record low in June. With only 727,277 births recorded last year, the country’s fertility rate now stands at 1.2 children per woman, far below the replacement rate of 2.1 required to sustain the population. Sociologists attribute this decline to a combination of factors, including Japan’s notorious work culture and rising living costs, which make starting and raising a family increasingly difficult.

For years, Japan’s corporate culture has been criticized for long working hours and intense pressure to work overtime, often leading to serious health risks for employees, including the phenomenon of "karoshi" or death by overwork. This demanding work environment has created an overwhelming burden for women, who are often forced to decide between their professional aspirations and family life. The result has been a widening gender gap in the labor force, with only 55% of women participating, compared to 72% of men.

The move to a four-day workweek aligns with growing international interest in flexible work arrangements, particularly in the West, where some companies are experimenting with compressed work hours to enhance employee well-being and productivity. However, in Japan, such changes are considered radical, as long working hours have traditionally been seen as a sign of loyalty to the company.

Tokyo’s decision is part of broader efforts by the Japanese government to address its population crisis. These efforts include encouraging men to take paternity leave and introducing other family-friendly policies. Similarly, other countries in Asia, such as Singapore, are also introducing guidelines that allow employees to request flexible working arrangements, including shorter workweeks.