There's excitement in Japan over Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi's announcement that he and his wife have welcomed their first child — a baby boy. The politician is also stirring debate by saying he wants to become the country's first serving cabinet minister to take paternity leave.
Koizumi, the son of a former prime minister, made headlines when he married a freelance TV presenter last summer, and then became the third youngest cabinet minister in postwar history.
Now he says he intends to take about two weeks of paternity leave over the next three months and work by using methods including telecommuting.
According to the labor ministry, only six percent of eligible male corporate employees took parental leave in fiscal 2018.
Koizumi says he's aware that he may face criticism. He expressed the hope that his decision would further promote the work-life balance in Japan.
Koizumi, the son of a former prime minister, made headlines when he married a freelance TV presenter last summer, and then became the third youngest cabinet minister in postwar history.
Now he says he intends to take about two weeks of paternity leave over the next three months and work by using methods including telecommuting.
According to the labor ministry, only six percent of eligible male corporate employees took parental leave in fiscal 2018.
Koizumi says he's aware that he may face criticism. He expressed the hope that his decision would further promote the work-life balance in Japan.
◆serving 現役の
◆telecommuting 在宅勤務、テレワーク someone who works at home using a computer connected to a company’s main office
◆criticism 批判 remarks that say what you think is bad about someone or something OPP praise