Record 85.9 Percent of Japan’s Civil Servants Took Paternity Leave

Tokyo, November 28

A record 85.9 percent of eligible full-time national public servants in Japan took paternity leave during fiscal 2023, according to the National Personnel Authority. The figure marked an increase of 3.6 percentage points from the previous year.

Rising Participation Among Fathers

Among all male employees, including those in managerial positions, the average length of paternity leave was 36.7 days. The authority reported that over 90 percent of the men who took leave were away for at least two weeks, reflecting growing awareness and institutional support for work-life balance.

“We will continue to promote a supportive environment in which male employees can take parental leave without hesitation,” an official from the National Personnel Authority stated.

Government Efforts and Gender Balance

The increase is part of Japan’s broader strategy to encourage male participation in childcare and narrow gender gaps at home and in the workplace. The government targets a 100 percent paternity leave rate among public servants to set an example for private-sector employers.

Broader Social Impact

Experts view the trend as a significant step toward normalizing shared parenting responsibilities. Analysts note that sustained policy efforts and managerial understanding are key to maintaining this momentum.

“Normalizing paternity leave contributes not only to equality at work but also to the well-being of families,” said a labor policy analyst.

Author’s summary: Japan reached a record 85.9 percent paternity leave rate among civil servants in 2023, signaling progress in gender equality and family-friendly policy implementation.

nippon.com — 2025-11-28