During a policy speech Tuesday at a Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly's regular session, Gov. Yuriko Koike emphasized the importance of flexible work-styles, especially for women.

"We will continue to review work styles flexibly to ensure that women do not have to sacrifice their careers due to life events such as childbirth or child-rearing," she said.

To help employees balance child care and work, the government plans to introduce a new “child care partial leave" system, which allows workers to reduce their working hours by up to two hours a day.