Japan enacts bill to expand measures for tackling low birthrate

Legislation on measures to support child-rearing passes during the Upper House plenary session on Wednesday.
June 5, 2024

Japan's parliament enacted a bill on Wednesday aimed at bolstering measures to tackle the country's declining birthrate.
To secure the necessary funds for the expanded measures, such as removing the income cap on child allowances, the government will collect "support funds" from the general public in the form of extra fees to be added to public medical insurance premiums.

The bill to amend related laws was approved by a majority vote with support mainly from the ruling camp at a plenary meeting of the House of Councilors, following its passage through the House of Representatives in April.