Image reproduced from 中時新聞網

The Japanese government is set to implement a new policy titled 'Child and Childcare Support Fund' starting from April next year, aiming to tackle the country's declining birthrate. This initiative seeks to provide a stable funding source for childcare policies by allowing all citizens to share the financial burden. Although some public critics have dubbed it a 'singles tax' due to its primary benefits for families with children, it is effectively a collective responsibility that applies to all generations, not just unmarried individuals.

According to the Japanese media outlet 'Financial Field', the 'Child and Childcare Support Act' outlines that the 'Child and Childcare Support Fund' can only be used for childcare-related purposes. The specifics of the policy include expanding the current child allowance to cover children up to high school age, providing a 100,000 yen (approximately NT$20,000) subsidy during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as supporting parental leave and part-time work arrangements for child-rearing.

The government estimates that each child will be eligible for a total support amount of approximately 3.52 million yen (around NT$708,000), a significant increase from the current 2.06 million yen (around NT$414,000). The collection of the 'Child and Childcare Support Fund' will be done through healthcare insurance premiums, which will be distinctly separated from medical insurance funds to prevent misallocation of resources.

The Child Family Agency explained that the choice to collect the support funds through the healthcare insurance system is due to its extensive coverage, as well as its existing framework, which includes intergenerational support mechanisms like elderly support funds and childcare subsidies. Additionally, mitigating the declining birthrate will contribute to the long-term sustainability of the healthcare insurance system.

The government currently estimates that each insurance participant will bear a monthly contribution ranging from 350 to 1,650 yen (approximately NT$70 to 330). They are also considering measures to provide partial exemptions or waivers for low-income families and families with minor children.

Ultimately, the government hopes that this system will achieve the goal of collectively raising the next generation, reversing the long-standing trend of declining birth rates, and alleviating the financial burden for low-income and minor children, thereby fostering hope for the future among younger generations.