Record 85.9 Percent of Japan Civil Servants Took Paternity Leave

Tokyo, November 28 (Jiji Press) — A record 85.9 percent of eligible full-time noncareer-track national public servants in Japan took paternity leave in fiscal 2023, according to the Cabinet Bureau of Personnel Affairs. The figure represents a steady rise from the previous year’s 84.2 percent, continuing the upward trend toward the government’s goal of encouraging more male employees to take time off for child-rearing.

Continued Growth in Participation

The share of men taking paternity leave was significantly higher than the 5.6 percent rate recorded among private-sector employees, as reported by the labor ministry. The government aims for all male national public servants to take some form of childcare leave by fiscal 2025, along with raising the average leave duration to one month or more.

Policy Efforts Toward Work-Life Balance

Officials note that greater awareness and more flexible work systems have contributed to the increase. Many ministries and agencies have supported workers through information sessions and adjustments in work scheduling to make paternity leave more accessible.

“Taking paternity leave is becoming a normal part of our work culture,” a Cabinet Bureau representative said.

The average length of paternity leave taken by national civil servants reached 33.2 days, up by two days from the previous year. Although the pace of growth has slowed slightly, experts suggest that the normalization of paternity leave marks an important cultural shift in Japan’s traditionally work-centered environment.

Broader Implications

The rise in paternity leave rates is part of broader efforts to address declining birth rates and gender inequality in Japan. Government initiatives continue to emphasize shared parental responsibilities and the importance of supporting family life through institutional reforms.

“We want to create a society where both men and women can fully participate in parenting without hesitation,” said an official from the Bureau of Personnel Affairs.

Author Summary

A record 85.9% of Japan’s national male civil servants took paternity leave in 2023, signaling growing societal support for gender-balanced family roles and government-led work-life reforms.

nippon.com — 2025-11-28