Tokyo Spends Big on Children, Wins Over Parents

Births in Tokyo last year rose for the first time in nine years, according to preliminary statistics released by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on Thursday. While Japan’s birth rate continues to decline nationwide, efforts by the Tokyo metropolitan government — including investing over ¥2 trillion in childcare policies, equivalent to Osaka City’s budget — appear to have yielded some results. However, most regional areas still face severe challenges, and they are not pleased with the concentration of resources in Tokyo.