'Grandchild leave' spreading in Japan as working grandparents help with child care
TOKYO -- Companies and local governments in Japan are increasingly introducing "grandchild leave," which can be used to prepare for the birth of a gra
In Japan, companies and local governments are increasingly offering a "grandchild leave" policy that allows grandparents to assist with child care and prepare for the arrival of a grandchild. This trend arises from the growing number of dual-income households and the extension of retirement ages, meaning more grandparents are working into their later years.
The program, introduced by Taiyo Life Insurance in October 2025, can be used to care for grandchildren during weekday events like day care visits or summer festivals. Noriko Ichimanda, a 61-year-old Taiyo Life employee, has used the leave four times to attend to her 4-year-old granddaughter's activities, expressing gratitude for the program's existence.
Grandchild leave offers paid special leave, which can be taken in increments, helping grandparents maintain their health and spend quality time with their grandchild. The policy benefits not only the children and grandchildren but also the grandparents themselves. Local governments in Miyagi and Miyazaki prefectures have also adopted similar programs.
The central government provides guidelines encouraging companies to implement such policies to promote work-life balance. Experts recommend that grandparents remember their role as supporters, respecting the parents' child-rearing choices while offering assistance.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
