Why are Japanese dads not taking parental leave?
REPORT
19 Sep 2019
Why are Japanese dads not taking parental leave?

Japanese men have the highest amount of paid parental leave at their disposal, yet only a small proportion take it each year due to an intense working culture and entrenched gender norms. So, what are brands and the government doing to encourage fathers to get more involved in their kids’ lives?

Manabu Tsukagoshi

Manabu Tsukagoshi is one of the trustees at Fathering Japan, a non-profit organisation that seeks to help fathers in Japan.

Ingrid Houtkooper

Ingrid Houtkooper is a Japanologist and communications professional. She owns House of Sakura, a communications company, and has written on issues related to gender in Japan for publications in the Netherlands.

Kirsty Bouwers

Kirsty Bouwers is a writer, translator, and researcher who specialises in Japan-related topics. She has written about everything from religion to food to mascot culture, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Japanese & Study of Religions from SOAS, University of London.