How do we solve Japan’s declining birthrate?

Have you seen photos of kyara-ben (short for “Character Bento”)? They are lunchboxes packed with homemade food decorated to look like animals and anime characters. When I moved to Japan with my 3-year-old and saw these pieces of art, I was impressed and horrified: Japanese moms do this every morning?!

Japan’s low birthrate and wide gender gap

This cutie lunchbox provides a glimpse of just how much is expected of Japanese women, and discussing the lowering birthrate without it will only be a half measure. In the country that ranks 116th in the global gender gap report, women are asked to bear more children, look after the whole family (inclusive of their spouses and aging parents/parents-in-law), and still contribute to the “new form of capitalism,” as Japan’s workforce dwindles.

Yet they earn far less than their male cohorts, especially in high-paying professionalized fields. Working women are predominantly in the service sector, taking care of people outside the home, too. It is not at all surprising that surveys find fewer women wanting to get married and have children.

It is not only the birthrate that is in decline. So are real wages and household savings. Earning power weighs heavily on women in choosing partners, given their income disparities, leading to delayed or no childbirth.

Does “unprecedented level” of support serve all people?

Recognizing the implications of the shrinking nation, Prime Minister Kishida has announced an “unprecedented level” of support for families to have and raise children. The new Children and Families Agency launched this month.

Bear in mind, though, that “families” are defined conservatively here. Same-sex couples face hurdles in accessing fertility treatments and adopting children. There is a draft law to ban fertility treatment for single women. Insurance coverage for IVF, which just began in April 2022, excludes women over the age of 43.

Successful case of inclusive city

Some municipalities have been successful in reversing the population decline and boosting tax revenues. The city of Akashi in Hyogo Prefecture is one such example. This results from child-friendly policies led by outgoing Mayor Fusaho Izumi, which include free medical care for anyone up to 18.

Surely, these subsidies help: the reduction of housing, medical and educational costs, tax breaks for large families, compensated parental leave and other policy interventions have been proven effective. Perhaps equally important is a genuine signal that families are welcomed in any shape and form. Under its “leave no one behind” principle, the city of Akashi has become the first local government in Japan to recognize same-sex couples and their children as “family.” The city has also supported children of divorced parents and foster homes in all of its school districts.

Do women have to find Mr. Right to have children? Can’t there be more choices in when, how and with whom to build families? Communities will grow collectively when there is space for everyone, especially women having to make a zero-sum decision of giving up their family or career, or otherwise facing undue pressures to do it all.