The Japanese government recently proposed a new law that would require companies in Japan to plan employees´ vacations at the start of the business year and encourage employees to take the vacation.  The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) plans to implement this law to help Japanese workers balance both work and family.  The MHLW is also considering adding a regulation to the law that would allow workers to covert overtime hours into vacation leave. 

In the past few months, the MHLW has announced other new legislation designed to encourage workers to balance careers with families.  The Japanese government recognizes the implications of the declining birthrate in Japan and hopes that these new policies will make it easier for Japanese citizens to raise children without giving up work.  In addition to the proposed new law regarding mandatory holidays, the MHLW has also announced plans to open more on-site daycare facilities at companies and develop legislation that would encourage male workers to take family leave too.

Japan is notorious for its long work hours.  However, Japan´s population is shrinking; the society is aging and the birthrate is declining.  As a result, the Japanese government has been working hard to develop new policies to retain the young workforce as well as promote childbirth.