#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Support #Children First #Family Policies

Supporting Dreams for a Children-First Society in Tokyo

In Tokyo, city officials and community leaders are committed to creating a society where anyone who wants to have children can do so safely and confidently. Aiming for a future where childbirth is encouraged, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has rolled out comprehensive support systems that follow residents through every stage of life—from dating to marriage, pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing.

Positive Signs for the Future

As we approach 2024, there are promising indicators that suggest potential increases in birth rates. There has been a noticeable rise in the number of marriages and an increasing proportion of men taking parental leave, which are both significant factors that contribute to higher birth rates. To solidify these encouraging trends, the Tokyo government has launched a pocketbook titled “Supporting Dreams: Towards a Children-First Society Version 2”. This resource showcases the current state of metropolitan support policies and measures that address the declining birthrate issue.

Pocketbook: A Comprehensive Guide

The newly published pocketbook provides clear insight into the challenges and needs of Tokyo’s residents. It outlines the various support initiatives available to help individuals navigate through the phases of life related to dating, marriage, pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing. Notably, the data compiled in the pocketbook reveals that nearly 90% of parents in Tokyo feel that it is a supportive environment for raising children, indicating a strong community commitment to creating a family-friendly city. The pocketbook can be accessed on the Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Policy Office website, providing easy reference to residents seeking guidance on family planning.

Link to the Pocketbook: Tokyo Children’s Policy Office

Informative Short Videos

In addition to the pocketbook, two informative short videos have been produced to highlight recent developments in marriage and child-rearing within Tokyo:
1. “Do You Know? The Current State of Marriage and Child-Rearing in Tokyo” (approximately 40 seconds)
This video outlines the number of applications for the AI matching system set to fully launch in September 2024 and other significant statistics regarding marriages and child-rearing, showcasing positive trends coming out of the city’s initiatives.
Watch Here: Marriage and Child-Rearing Video

2. “Do You Know? The Current Status of Parenting in Tokyo” (approximately 40 seconds)
This video discusses the increasing rate of men's participation in parental leave programs, as well as the shifts in career decision-making among job-seeking students. It emphasizes the importance of viewing parental leave not merely as a break but as a significant responsibility, fostering a culture that prioritizes parenting.
Watch Here: Parenting Video

Both videos aim to inform and motivate the public to engage with these critical social issues, underlining the city’s commitment to improving supports for families.

Connecting Strategies to a Brighter Future

The initiatives presented in the pocketbook and videos align with the goals of the Tokyo 2050 Strategy, particularly focusing on creating environments conducive to child-rearing. As we continue to advocate for policies that make it easier for families to thrive, it is vital to spread awareness of these programs and the positive changes they inspire. With a concerted effort to address the challenges of raising children in urban settings, Tokyo hopes to establish itself as a bastion for family growth.

For more on this initiative and to discover comprehensive resources, please visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Policy Office website: Tokyo Children’s Policy Office