The article delves into the escalating issue of employees "evading parental leave," a growing concern in Japan's corporate world. It examines the reasons behind this trend, including societal norms, peer pressure, and corporate expectations, and debates the long-term implications on the nation's falling birth rate and labor pool. Some possible solutions are also discussed.

Parental leave evasion is an increasingly controversial issue in Japan, reflecting the traditional roles which are still prevalent in Japanese society. There is a significant societal pressure and corporate expectation for employees, especially women, to return to work after childbirth, sometimes to their detriments. As Japan grapples with a declining population and a rapidly ageing society, these issues have come to the forefront of the public and governmental debates.

In comparison to the US and EU, where parental leave is both a legal right and socially encouraged, Japan is facing difficulties in enforcing and normalising these privileges. Many EU countries, notably Sweden, have set a global example with their progressive parental leave policies where both parents share the leave. While the US does not mandate parental leave at a national level, a growing number of companies are implementing such policies.