Selected Issues Papers

Japan’s Fertility: More Children Please

Author/Editor:

Kohei Asao ; Danila Smirnov ; TengTeng Xu

Publication Date:

July 1, 2024

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Summary:

Japan’s fertility has declined in the past three decades. Raising Japan’s fertility rate is a key policy priority for the government. Using cross-country analysis and case studies, this paper finds that the most successful measure to support the fertility rate is the provision of childcare facilities, particularly for children aged 0-2. Offering stronger incentives for the use of paternity leave can alleviate the burden of childcare on mothers, supporting fertility. On the other hand, there is limited evidence that cash transfers are effective in supporting fertility, based on international experience.

Series:

Selected Issues Paper No. 2024/025

Subject:

Aging Business cycles Economic growth Employment Gender Gender diversity Gender inequality Labor Labor markets Population and demographics Women

Frequency:

Regular