We realize that it costs more than one million yen to raise a child from birth to adult. But we are hoping that this large sum will inspire our employees. The offer, which began last month, is part of an effort by the government and employers to persuade the Japanese, who have one of the lowest birthrates in the world, to go forth and multiply. Most initiatives focus on making it easier and more economical to raise children, extending flexible work hours, family leave and child care.
Some incentives pay cash and monthly subsidies.
A law that goes into effect next month will more than double the number of preschool children whose parents qualify for monthly government subsidies. Under the new law, the subsidies will continue until the children reach 6. The officials said that by extending the program to 6, they hoped to alleviate some of the financial burdens of child rearing. But they flatly denied that the effort was directly intended to promote childbirth. But our intention is to reduce many of the concerns and hesitations that Japanese people have about having children.