JapanUntil what child's age can I take childcare leave?
You can take childcare leave in Japan until your child turns 1 year old, and up to 1 year and 2 months under certain conditions.
What the Law Says
Japan’s Child Care and Family Care Leave Law sets the legal framework for childcare leave eligibility, duration, and conditions.
Under Japanese law, an employee may take childcare leave until the child reaches 1 year of age. This applies to both mothers and fathers who are employed and meet eligibility requirements.
If the employer agrees and certain conditions are met — such as the child not being admitted to a certified daycare due to lack of availability — the leave may be extended up to 1 year and 2 months (i.e., 14 months) after birth.
The employee must have been employed continuously for at least 1 year before the start of leave, and must notify the employer at least 1 month before the intended start date. Leave cannot begin earlier than 8 weeks after childbirth.
During leave, employees retain their employment status, and employers are obligated to reinstate them to the same or equivalent position upon return — for up to 2 years after the child’s birth.
Statutory TextAn employee may take childcare leave until the day before the child's first birthday.
— Child Care and Family Care Leave Law, s. 2 — Definition of Childcare Leave
Statutory TextWhere it is difficult for the employee to return to work because the child cannot be admitted to a certified childcare facility, the employer may extend childcare leave until the day before the child's first birthday plus two months.
— Child Care and Family Care Leave Law, s. 5(3) — Extension of Childcare Leave
Statutory TextAn employee shall not commence childcare leave earlier than eight weeks after childbirth.
— Child Care and Family Care Leave Law, s. 4(2) — Timing of Leave Commencement
What to Do
Confirm with your employer that you meet the 1-year continuous employment requirement.
Submit written notice of intended childcare leave at least 1 month before the start date.
Wait at least 8 weeks after childbirth before starting leave.
Apply for extension to 14 months if your child cannot enter certified daycare — obtain employer agreement in writing.
Notify your employer in advance of your planned return date to ensure reinstatement rights.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.