This time will never come back
A Comparison of Parental Leave in Germany and Japan
Hello! I’m Mayu Kawase, and this is my first blog post for DYCLE!
I study Environmental Governance at my university in Japan and am currently participating in an exchange program in Germany. I also worked in after-school childcare back home, which sparked my deep interest in child-rearing and early education. Through this blog, I hope to share insights that support and inspire parents in their everyday lives.
Why Parental Leave Matters
Raising children is a brief but profoundly formative stage, for both children and parents. It’s a time of emotional depth, learning, and challenge. How societies support parents during this phase says a lot about their values. That’s why I want to explore how parental leave is structured in Germany and Japan, two very different systems facing similar pressures.
What Surprised Me
I always thought of Germany as a very parent-friendly country. So I was surprised to learn that most fathers only take the minimum of two months of leave, just enough to qualify for the “partnership bonus.” Still, in 2021, 46.2% of German fathers took parental leave (source: Destatis), far more than in Japan. The Japanese government is actively promoting policy changes, especially encouraging fathers to participate, but uptake remains low.
A Personal Story from Japan
One story that has stayed with me is that of my best friend’s father in Japan. He took parental leave nearly 20 years ago, very unusual at the time. There were stereotypes and questions like, “Why would a man take parental leave?” But during that time, he fully dedicated himself to childcare and housework, without worrying about work. He was seen as someone who prioritized family, which later made it easier for him to request leave again. He also became the go-to person at work for advice about parental leave.
His daughter, who’s been my best friend for over 12 years, still speaks about him with so much love and admiration. I truly believe his honest involvement left a lasting, positive impact on their close relationship.
Voices from Freiburg
During my stay in Germany, I interviewed several parents living in Freiburg. One woman shared her story while walking in the park:
“My husband planned to take parental leave, but we couldn’t afford it financially. He’s still working hard to support us.”
On the other hand, a father I met in another park told me how both he and his wife shared long-term parental leave:
“I work as a primary school teacher, and my workplace encourages parenting. My wife’s job is also very supportive. We could easily plan equal parental leave. Even now, we alternate our days off so one of us is always home with the kids.”
He even told me they traveled with their children to South America during their leave, a rare and memorable opportunity.
What Parents Said
• “I was so happy to take parental leave!”
• “I got to witness every stage of my child’s development.”
• “I enjoy every moment with my children, even the hard ones.”
One father said something that has stayed with me:
“I can always work. But kids grow up so fast. If I miss this time, it won’t come back. I want to spend as much time with them as I can.”
Final Thoughts
On January 13, Japan held the Seijin-shiki, a traditional Coming of Age ceremony. It made me reflect on how quickly childhood passes. What remains are the memories, both for parents and children.
From my interviews, I’ve learned that income and workplace policies are often what determine whether parents can take leave. With more reform, I hope more parents will be able to spend this precious time with their children, because once it’s gone, it truly never comes back.
What about you?
What was your parental leave like? I’d love to hear your story!
Mayu Kawase