Freelancers Struggle with Childbirth and Parenting Support in Japan

While full-time employees in Japan have increasing support for childbirth and parenting, freelancers are largely left out. Freelancers—including self-employed workers and business owners—often have unstable income and no access to benefits like paid parental leave or employer-issued documents. Many hesitate to have children due to financial and logistical challenges.

Real-Life Struggles

• Hiroki Nishihara, a freelance video director raising two kids, had trouble getting childcare for his first child because he couldn’t submit a standard “proof of employment.” Instead, he had to submit TV credits and schedules to prove he worked, which city officials didn’t fully understand. He and his wife, both freelancers, couldn’t get parental leave pay and had no income when they had to care for sick kids.
• Aiko Urakami, a freelance writer, gave birth at age 42 after infertility treatment. She resumed work the day after giving birth—editing from her hospital bed—because no one else could replace her. She overworked herself during pregnancy and had no support system for balancing work and treatment. Like many freelancers, she had to skip jobs for medical visits, losing income.

Lack of Support for Freelancers

Mari Hirata, head of the Freelance Association, says that industries like media, IT, and education often rely heavily on freelancers, but there’s little support for them during pregnancy or parenting. The association has long pushed for fair contract rules and neutral safety nets regardless of work type. While Japan passed a new freelancer law in 2024 improving contract practices, social security protections haven’t progressed.

Despite promises from government officials in the past, efforts to create a substitute for parental leave for freelancers have stalled. Hirata says political biases and misconceptions—like thinking freelancers don’t pay taxes or are irresponsible—are blocking progress.

She urges freelancers to maintain proper records and build awareness about their contributions to society.

What Support Exists for Freelancers?

Social insurance expert Yumiko Sasaki explains some existing benefits for freelancers:

• A lump-sum childbirth allowance (about ¥500,000 per child).
• Child allowances (¥10,000–¥30,000 per month per child).
• Temporary exemptions from national pension and health insurance premiums during pregnancy and childbirth.
• Starting in 2026, pension premium exemptions will also apply for both parents until the child is one year old.

However, freelancers do not get parental leave payments or sick leave, which can total up to ¥2 million (about $13,000–$14,000) for employed parents.

Sasaki also highlights how inconsistent rules across cities make things worse. She calls for nationwide standards so freelancers aren’t unfairly excluded from childcare access.

Looking Ahead

More people are seeking to become freelancers but worry about income loss. Many try hybrid models—keeping contract work with a former employer while expanding their freelance projects. This flexible working style is growing, and companies will need to adjust.

As work styles diversify, it’s essential to help people plan careers that include parenting without sacrificing financial stability. For many, especially those facing age limits on childbirth, access to flexible support systems is crucial. Being able to shape your future on your own terms is becoming more important than ever.

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