A survey conducted by Kyodo News revealed on March 17 that 35 of Japan's 47 prefectures have incorporated new projects or expanded existing initiatives in their fiscal 2025 budgets to support women as part of measures to counter population decline.
These initiatives include subsidies for companies that hire local women, as well as financial aid to improve workplace environments, making them more accommodating for female employees.
The goal is to prevent the outflow of women from rural areas to large cities and encourage them to remain in their hometowns.
The survey, conducted between late January and late February, asked all prefectures whether they had new or expanded projects targeting women and young people.
Among the 35 prefectures that responded positively, 29—including Iwate and Mie—reported launching new initiatives, while 14 of them also planned to expand existing projects.
Six prefectures, including Saga, indicated they would only expand existing programs, while 11 prefectures stated they had ongoing initiatives.
Fukuoka, which is set to hold a gubernatorial election, did not provide a response due to its interim budget.
Fukushima has introduced a system offering subsidies for office rent and labor costs to businesses that establish offices and hire local women.
Saitama has launched workplace improvement grants, such as funding the installation of women’s restrooms in the logistics and public transportation sectors to encourage more female employment.
Additionally, initiatives to ease the financial burden of fertility treatments are expanding in prefectures like Ibaraki and Nara, supporting individuals seeking pregnancy.