Society Record 40% of Japanese fathers took paternity leave in 2024

Last year, a record 40.5% of Japanese fathers took paternity leave, the 12th consecutive year the figure has increased. The rise of 10.4% over 2023 has been attributed in part to a newer paternity leave system introduced in 2022 that offers more flexibility and accessibility than the earlier scheme. If this upward trend continues, Japan could reach its target of 50% of fathers taking paternity leave by 2025. However, take-up rates still vary widely depending on the size of the company and the industry sector, with smaller firms and male-dominated industries generally lagging.

Meanwhile, 86.6% of mothers with infants took maternity leave—more than twice the rate for fathers—highlighting a persistent gender gap in childcare responsibilities. One of the reasons many men still hesitate to take leave is the concern that doing so would burden their colleagues. A ministry official noted the importance of building a society where individuals feel supported and able to take time off based on their family needs. The revised postnatal programme allows fathers to take up to four weeks of leave within the first eight weeks after a child is born, in addition to the standard childcare leave available until the child turns one.

According to the survey, a total of 40.5% of respondents took either postnatal paternity leave, standard parental leave, or both. By company size, a majority 55.3% t took paternity leave in firms with between 100 and 499 employees, while 53.8% took it in firms with 500 or more employees. On the other hand, the data showed only 25.1% of employees at firms with five to 29 workers took paternity leave, while 35.8% took it in companies with 30 to 99 employees, suggesting difficulties for workers in small and medium-sized enterprises to take the time off. Demonstrating wide disparities by industry, the rate of fathers taking leave in real estate, goods rental services, lifestyle-related services and entertainment were below 20 percent, while those in finance and insurance were above 60%.

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This is a very welcome shift in societal norms. Let's hope the trend continues!