Key Facts
• Starting October 2025, Mitsui Sumitomo Bank mandates 1-month paternity leave for male employees.
• A $340 (¥50,000) bonus will be given to both the employee and colleagues covering their work.
• The policy applies to all 24,000 employees, including cases of maternity leave.
• Male employees’ paternity leave rate reached 100% in 2023, but average duration was 12 days.
• The bank aims for a long-term goal of 30+ days of leave per employee.
• Japan’s Ministry of Health reports 90% of women take 6+ months of leave, while 40% of men take less than 2 weeks.
• Other companies, like Itochu Corporation and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, have introduced similar policies.
• The initiative seeks to foster a supportive workplace culture and improve team collaboration.
Summary
Mitsui Sumitomo Bank will require male employees to take one month of paternity leave starting October 2025, with a $340 bonus for both the employee and colleagues covering their duties. This policy, aimed at fostering a supportive workplace and encouraging active participation in childcare, applies to all 24,000 employees, including maternity leave cases. Despite a 100% paternity leave uptake in 2023, the average duration was only 12 days, far below the bank’s 30-day target. The initiative aligns with broader efforts in Japan to address gender disparities in parental leave, as men often take significantly shorter leave than women. Other companies, such as Itochu Corporation and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, have implemented similar measures to promote work-life balance and team collaboration.
