The key to turning around Japan's declining birthrate is to improve the work-life balance for both women and men, asserts Yoko Kamikawa, new state minister for population issues and gender equality.
"It's important for the government to take measures that enable each individual to work (outside the home) and serve their families and communities in a balanced manner," the 54-year-old Kamikawa said in a recent interview.
Long working hours and inadequate support for women eager to work after having children have prevented many from achieving a sustainable work-life balance, she said.