by Wonsuh Song
In recent years, high-rise apartment buildings have been sprouting up across Tokyo’s city center at a remarkable pace. Given Japan’s long-standing struggle with low birthrates and an aging population, it might seem surprising that these redeveloped areas are drawing in younger families. As a result, once-quiet elementary schools have found new life, and daycare waitlists are growing. Although Japan’s birthrate is by no means high, many observers around the world are interested in how the nation manages to address its demographic challenges at a comparatively measured pace.
A significant factor in Japan’s approach is the recognition that “money alone doesn’t solve low birthrates.” While the national and local governments have maintained various forms of financial support—such as lump-sum payments and tax benefits for childbirth and childcare—parents consistently say their greatest need is “somewhere they can confidently leave their children all day.” In an era when dual-income households are the norm, a robust childcare infrastructure is essential for families to feel comfortable having children in the first place.
This is why, throughout Japan, local governments have been expanding public daycare centers and after-school programs, extending their hours into the late evening, and offering practical support for working parents. Another noteworthy initiative is the “community childcare matchmaking service,” which links senior citizens with younger parents. Under this system, individuals in their 60s and 70s take on part-time work caring for children or assisting with light housework. For parents, the arrangement offers peace of mind, while older adults gain both a sense of purpose and some extra income. In this way, entire neighborhoods grow accustomed to the idea of “raising children together.”
Meanwhile, South Korea faces an even harsher reality when it comes to its low birthrate. In 2024, the nation recorded a total fertility rate of just 0.68—reportedly the lowest in the world—indicating that it is advancing toward a super-aged society faster than Japan. In many Korean households, childcare relies heavily on grandparents or hired individuals. Yet hiring a single caregiver to work all day can bring significant financial and emotional strain. Some parents hire ethnic Koreans from China (known as Joseonjok), which can lead to unease if the child picks up certain dialects or language habits. Cost and trust issues remain major hurdles for these families.
In response, the Korean government has increased financial incentives for parents, offering additional payouts if they have two or three children. However, telling citizens, “Why aren’t you having kids when we’re giving you money?” fails to address fundamental, day-to-day concerns. Ultimately, what Korean parents truly need is “an environment in which they can keep working without sacrificing quality childcare.” Whether in Japan or Korea, the underlying requirement remains the same: effective parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and high-quality, safe childcare centers must be in place to have any chance of reversing the declining birthrate.
In essence, two core strategies emerge as the most effective for raising birthrates in a sustainable manner:
- Ensuring sufficient, reliable childcare options
Governments and local authorities should not only expand publicly operated and supervised daycare facilities, but also offer after-school and late-hour programs that give parents greater flexibility. In addition, harnessing the experience and availability of senior citizens to meet families’ needs can fill critical gaps in daily childcare. - Seamlessly connecting the workplace and the home
Companies, too, must invest in on-site daycare centers and emergency backup childcare systems, recognizing that supporting parents is vital for society as a whole. Encouraging both men and women to take parental leave, and offering a variety of work arrangements for those returning from leave, can significantly ease the burden of raising children.
Urban redevelopment alone will not resolve deeper social issues. Just as important—if not more so—is creating an environment where children can grow up safely and happily in these new neighborhoods. Japan has arguably mitigated a drastic collapse in its birthrate, thanks in part to national and local governments, businesses, and communities each playing a role, however small.
Ultimately, solving the low-birthrate crisis is not overly complicated: a society in which children are raised together—rather than leaving all child-rearing duties to individual families—offers a clear path forward. Japan’s experience underscores that merely expanding financial incentives is not enough; practical, everyday solutions that address actual parenting needs are the key to ensuring children’s laughter echoes throughout a city’s streets. Only then can a society truly be said to have a bright and enduring future.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Full-time Lecturer, Faculty of School Teacher Education, Shumei University
Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Waseda University
Visiting Researcher, Center for Spatial Information Science, University of Tokyo
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