Kishida Calls for Paternity Leave to Counter Declining Birth Rate

The Yomiuri Shimbun 15:36 JST, June 19, 2023 Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his resolve to promote paternity leave as women disproportionately carry the load of raising children in Japan, during a speech on Sunday at Waseda University, his alma mater. Its crucial to change societal attitudes and structures, or the desired results wont be achieved, Kishida said about countering the chronically low birth rate. As a specific measure, he said subsidies would be provided to support small and midsize businesses to compensate those who cover the tasks of employees on parental leave. Kishida also spoke about issues surrounding Japan-China relations. We will stand firm on what needs to be asserted and demand responsible action, but also cooperate on common issues such as climate change, he said. Visits to China will be considered within this context. Kishida reminisced about his student years as well. I repeatedly failed entrance exams and continually got stuck in the wayside grass and took many detours, Kishida said. Back then, I couldnt have imagined giving a speech at my alma mater as prime minister. Id say never, he professed. Dont hesitate. Dive in with hope and curiosity. Popular articles in the past 24 hours Popular articles in the past week Popular articles in the past month JN ACCESS RANKING The Japan News / Weekly Edition Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting, readable fomat. Read more eng jp 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun