This book provides a systematic framework for interpreting the fertility decline in Japan. It
situates the change in fertility rates in a broader context such as family life and working
customs. The basic argument it puts forward is that Japan has failed to establish a dual-earner
society: women still face the trade-off between having a career or starting a family which has
led to an extremely low fertility rate in Japanese society. Further to this rather common
explanation which could also be applied to other low-fertility societies such as Germany and
Italy the author presents an original view. Japan has had its own momentum in holding on to
its strong men as breadwinners and women as housekeepers model by creating a unique regime
namely a Japanese model of a welfare society. This regime places special emphasis on the
welfare provided by private companies and family members instead of by the government. Private
firms are expected to secure men's jobs and income to the greatest extent taking advantage of
Japanese employment customs. On the other hand women are expected to provide care for their
family members. The book argues that the familialist orientation is still dominant in Japan and
is repeatedly reinforced in the policy context.
