Tokyo’s 4-Day Work-week: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to implement a four-day work-week starting in April 2025, signaling a significant step in Japan’s ongoing “work-style reform” initiatives. The move is aimed at addressing and improving workplace flexibility, particularly for women balancing career and family responsibilities.
In a policy speech at the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly’s regular session, Governor Yuriko Koike emphasised the importance of creating flexible work environments. “We will continue to review work styles flexibly to ensure that women do not have to sacrifice their careers due to life events such as childbirth or child-rearing,” she stated, the Japan Times reported.
A key component of this reform is the introduction of a “child care partial leave” system, allowing employees to reduce their working hours by up to two hours per day. Tokyo’s existing flextime system, which lets employees accumulate time off for an additional day off every four weeks, will be revised to enable workers to take three days off each week. This adjustment allows for a formal four-day work-week structure, offering employees greater flexibility.
Koike highlighted that empowering women—a persistent challenge in Japan—is crucial for the nation’s future. “Overcoming this situation is key to creating a society where both men and women can thrive,” she said.
It’s not just Tokyo: Nationwide momentum towards work-style reform
Tokyo is not alone in championing a shorter work-week. Miyagi Prefecture has also embraced the concept, announcing in October 2024 plans to expand its four-day work-week option to all prefectural employees by fiscal 2026. Initially available to employees with child care and caregiving duties, this policy offers a three-day weekend with supervisor approval. Miyagi’s initiative marks a progressive shift in work culture within the Tohoku region.
Global Success Stories: 5 Countries leading the way for shorter work weeks
Japan’s work-style reforms align with a growing international trend towards shorter work-weeks. Here are five countries that have successfully implemented or are testing four-day work-weeks:
| Country | Avg Working Hours/Week* | Initiative |
| Belgium | 35 | Legislation allows a four-day, 10-hour work-week with no pay reduction. |
| Iceland | 36.3 | Trials from 2015-2019 led to 90% of workers adopting shorter work-weeks with no loss in productivity. |
| United Arab Emirates | 50.9 | A four-day work-week for government staff implemented in 2023, covering 90% of employees. |
| Spain | 36.7 | A three-year trial involving 200 companies aims to evaluate the effects of a reduced work-week. |
| Netherlands | 31.6 | Flexible arrangements result in many employees working four days a week, despite no formal policy. |
*Source: ILO’s Wages and Working Time Statistics (COND) Database – 11 Jan 2024
Here’s a closer look at the country-specific policies:
Belgium
Workers in Belgium benefit from legislation enabling a four-day work-week by extending daily working hours to 10 while maintaining full pay. This policy balances flexibility and productivity.
Iceland
Iceland’s groundbreaking trials between 2015 and 2019 showed that reducing working hours improved employee well-being and productivity, prompting widespread adoption across various sectors.
United Arab Emirates
In July 2023, the UAE extended the four-day work-week to government employees, covering the majority of its public sector workforce. This initiative has been well-received as a step towards better work-life balance.
Netherlands
Although the Netherlands has no formal four-day work-week policy, a cultural emphasis on part-time work and flexible schedules means many employees already enjoy shorter work-weeks.
Spain
Spain’s government-backed trial involving 200 companies explores how reduced working hours can enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. The three-year initiative reflects a growing interest in sustainable work practices.
What India can learn from Japan
With Japan taking bold steps like implementing a four-day workweek to create a healthier and more inclusive workplace culture, while addressing the needs of a diverse workforce, it is high time for Indian industries to draw inspiration and rethink their own work policies.
