National Feb 23, 2021
Japan recorded fewer deaths in 2020 for first time in 11 years
The smaller total may be linked to a sharp fall in seasonal influenza infections as people took strict infection prevention measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commentary / World Feb 4, 2021
China’s latest celebrity scandal hits a raw nerve
by Adam Minter
The ex-boyfriend of popular Chinese actress Zheng Shuang said on social media that she had abandoned him with two surrogate children in the U.S.
National Jan 31, 2021
Justice minister vows to undertake sweeping reforms to Japan's legal system
by Magdalena Osumi
Public trust, child support and a better outlook for foreign nationals on the agenda for Yoko Kamikawa.
World / Social Issues Jan 29, 2021
‘Declaration of War’: Protesters in Poland vow to fight abortion ban
by Monika Pronczuk, Isabella Kwai and Anatol Magdziarz
Women’s rights advocates and allies in Poland vowed Thursday to continue to fight a near-total ban on abortion, calling it a breach of human rights and a sign that the country is regressing.
National Jan 29, 2021
Government to aid small firms promoting parental leave in Japan
A sum of ¥500,000 will be offered to each company certified as being enthusiastic about encouraging its employees to take such leave.
National Jan 26, 2021
Record 16% of fathers in Japan's civil service took child care leave in 2019
The health ministry reported the highest ratio among eligible male staff at 59.2%, while the Defense Ministry and the Imperial Household Agency recorded figures of just over 5%.
National Jan 24, 2021
Disposable diapers, baby wet wipes and canned liquid formula are now increasingly being offered in locations around the country.
World / Social Issues Jan 17, 2021
Children’s screen time has soared in the pandemic, alarming parents and researchers
by Matt Richtel
Nearly a year into the coronavirus pandemic, parents are watching their children slide down an increasingly slippery path into an all-consuming digital life.
National Jan 15, 2021
About 40% of fatherless families have agreements on expenses for child support, with the figure standing as low as 20% for motherless households.
National / Media | Japan Pulse Jan 1, 2021
Adults seek solace in the wisdom of children online amid pandemic
by Kaori Shoji
Parents have spent more time with their children over the past 12 months than perhaps any time in the country's history.
National Dec 24, 2020
Although Japan leads the world in paid-leave provisions for fathers, according to U.N. Children's Fund data, only 7.48% took child care leave in fiscal 2019.
National Dec 21, 2020
Japan aims to boost nursery school capacity by 140,000 over four years
Under the new program, the government will also aim to reduce the number of children on the nursery waiting lists to zero as soon as possible.