The article deals with the increasing concerns of Japanese working parents juggling professional duties and child upbringing. They are seeking more supportive policies from the government. The issue has intensified amid the pandemic, given the rise in remote work and children's at-home education. The public demand for better childcare frameworks and family-friendly workplace initiatives is critical in advocating for a more inclusive and supportive approach to childcare and careers in Japan.
In Japan, child-rearing is traditionally a woman's responsibility, but with changing social norms and increasing women workforce, balancing work and childcare is becoming a pressing issue. There is a significant demand for more inclusive childcare policies and better workplace support for working parents. Although the government has initiated some reforms, the public feels it is not enough to meet the growing needs.
In the US or EU, there are more comprehensive policies supporting working parents, such as laws promoting family leave, subsidized childcare, and flexible working hours. Such policies have significantly evolved over time following public demand and shifts sociocultural dynamics. However, there are still areas that need improvement.