Japan Pushes Plans to Raise Birthrates by ‘Last Chance’ Deadline

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the period to 2030 is the “last chance” to reverse a declining birthrate that threatens Japan’s long-term economic prospects, as he rolled out policies aimed at easing financial burdens on parents.

Kishida told a news conference Friday his government plans to enhance childcare allowances, provide housing assistance for young families raising children, work to reduce the costs of education and raise wages for younger workers.

“The declining birthrate problem is a fight against time,” Kishida said. He added men needed to do more in helping to raise children. His government was looking to raise the ...