Seminars Gender Investment & Innovation

New form of capitalism in Japan and the Nordic vision

Part 3 – Childcare and Family Policy

Organized by: Embassies for Nordic countries in Tokyo

In response to the steep decline in Japan's birth rate, the Japanese government has pledged to undertake unprecedented measures to combat the decline with new family policy measures. While the Nordic region has also seen some decline in birth rates over the past decades, Nordic childcare and family policy may be a relevant reference in the Japanese context for several reasons. This seminar, organized by the embassies of Nordic countries in Japan, will explore Nordic family models, such as childcare and parental leave, and look at the economic consequences of these policies. The purpose of this seminar is to share information about how the Nordic region handles these challenges, and to further increase cooperation and dialogue with Japanese stakeholders. A panel of experts and lawmakers will hold a frank and open discussion about these questions.

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation is pleased to support the "New form of capitalism in Japan and the Nordic vision: Part 3 - Childcare and Family Policy" organized by the embassies of Nordic countries in Japan.

Contact
For inquiries regarding this seminar, please contact the Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo.: Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo
E-mail: seena.kitami@gov.se

Description

17:00	Opening words Pereric HÖGBERG, Ambassador of Sweden to Japan
17:10	Keynote Update on Kishida government’s family policy WADA Yoshiaki, Liberal Democratic Party, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Cabinet Office
17:25	Opening the panel discussion MIURA Mari, Professor of Sophia University
17:30	Presentation by panelists • The relationship between parental leave and labor mobility and its economic impact KONDO Ayako, Professor of the Institute of Social Sciences, University of Tokyo • Nordic policy and parental leave: A Norwegian former lawmaker’s perspective Torbjørn RØE ISAKSEN, Editor for social affairs, e24 • Japanese vision: Alternative views on the decline birthrate KURABAYASHI Akiko, Japanese Communist Party, Member of the House of Councilors’ Health, Labor and Welfare Committee • Childcare and the private sector, Japanese work Panelist from Nordic company (TBD)
18:00	Panel discussion Moderator: MIURA Mari, Professor of Sophia University Panelists • KONDO Ayako, Professor of the Institute of Social Sciences, University of Tokyo • Torbjørn RØE ISAKSEN, Editor for social affairs, e24 • KURABAYASHI Akiko, Japanese Communist Party, Member of the House of Councilors’ Health, Labor and Welfare Committee • Panelist from Nordic company (TBD)
18:30	Q&A session
18:45	Conclusion from Moderator MIURA Mari, Professor of Sophia University
18:50	Closing remarks Peter TAKSØE-JENSEN, Ambassador of Denmark to Japan