'Post-Abe' Koizumi, Japan's Environment Minister, to Take Childcare Leave

Junichiro Koizumi, Former Prime Minister's Second Son

Interpreted as a Message to Lead by Example in Line with Government Policy

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Shinjiro Koizumi, Japan's Minister of the Environment, who is considered the 'post-Abe' figure, has decided to take paternity leave within three months after the birth of his first child, NHK reported on the 15th.

Previously, the Japanese government announced that from 2020, it would implement a paternity leave system for male national public servants. Minister Koizumi's move is interpreted as a message to lead by example in accordance with government policy.

The Japanese government decided to implement a paternity leave system for male national public servants starting in 2020 to address the low birthrate issue. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga mentioned, "It will promote the movement throughout Japan if national public servants take the lead in implementing it."

Japan's paternity leave system offers paid leave for up to one year. However, government data shows that only 6% of men have used the paternity leave system, and the duration was confirmed to be less than a week. The Japanese government set a target of 13% usage for the paternity leave system in 2020.

Minister Koizumi plans to secure about two weeks of childcare time by combining leave, reduced working hours, and telework (remote work) after the birth of his first child.

During this period, he is known to be considering attending to work through video conferences and emails, while a vice minister would attend official meetings on his behalf.

The background behind Minister Koizumi's decision is interpreted as the understanding that for male paternity leave to become more active, not only the system but also the social atmosphere must change.

Meanwhile, last year, a Japanese media outlet raised allegations that Minister Koizumi had an extramarital affair with a married woman before his marriage. Minister Koizumi is the second son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and a four-term member of the House of Representatives. He married popular announcer Christel Takigawa last year and joined the cabinet in September.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.