Japan looks to implement more flexible paternity leave

Japan is planning to implement a more flexible paternity leave that fathers can take after the birth of their child, in efforts to raise the nationwide low rate of men taking such leave, and also ease the burden of their wives, said government officials. 

The law revision would allow fathers to take a total of four weeks off, within eight weeks of the birth of their child, and give a shorter notice of their leave to their employers.

The government is set to submit a bill permitting changes to the paternity leave to a parliament session, which will convene this month.

Currently, Japan’s current paternity leave regulation requires fathers to apply for the break a month in advance, while the proposed measure would cut this to just two weeks before. 

The government aims to increase the percentage of men taking paternity leave to 30% by 2025, and is considering making it mandatory for all companies to encourage all of their workers to take the leave. 

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It is also considering making it mandatory for firms to create an environment where workers can easily apply for such leave through consultation services and organising seminars to raise awareness.