Long hours have long been a problem for Japan, where workers often suffer from health hazards and, in extreme cases, "karoshi" - a term meaning death from work.

Tokyo has decided to introduce a four-day working week for government workers to boost record low birth rates. The new agreement begins in April 2025.

"We will review flexible working styles, ensuring that no one has to give up a career due to life events such as childbirth or childcare," said Governor Yuriko Koike.

"Now is the time for Tokyo to take the initiative to protect and improve the lives, livelihoods and economy of our people during these challenging times for the nation," she added.

Japan's birth rate hit another record low in June. The number of children has fallen to a low of 1.2, according to the Ministry of Health. For a population to remain stable, it needs a birth rate of 2.1.

Many sociologists attribute the ever-declining birth rates to Japan's unforgiving work culture and rising living costs.

As in other countries, women are often pressured to choose between career and family, but Japan's unique overtime work culture makes pregnancy and child-rearing particularly daunting.

According to the World Bank, the country's labor force participation gender gap, which was 55% for women and 72% for men last year, is higher than other high-income countries.

Tokyo isn't the only place in Asia to implement more family-friendly policies.

Earlier this year, Singapore introduced new guidelines requiring all firms to consider employee requests for flexible working arrangements. This may include four-day weeks or flexible hours.

The move to a four-day work week has sparked growing interest in the West, as several studies have shown it improves well-being and productivity among workers. But the idea is still seen as radical for Japanese companies, which often equate time spent at work with loyalty to the company.