I joined the bank in 2014 at the same time as my wife, with whom I became acquainted during new employee training. We were married at the end of our second year. I was transferred from Nara to Tokyo, so we decided to live together, being assigned to our respective departments of choice, and our days were busy but exciting and enjoyable.

Our first child was born in June 2018, and I spoke with my wife about future childcare. My fifth year at the company was just when work had become the most enjoyable. My wife wanted to get back to work as soon as possible, but was worried about what to do with our child if she did. Accordingly, I decided to take childcare leave to look after our child, and we took turn taking a six-month childcare leave each other.

The idea of men being recommended to take childcare leave has only just begun to be discussed, and few men around me took long-term childcare leave. Although the program allows them to do so, many men felt uncomfortable about taking such leave, and I think this atmosphere still pervades today. I myself had never dreamed that I would take childcare leave. That I was able to decide without hesitation to take childcare leave under these circumstances was due to my strong desire to support my wife. From the outset I had wanted to devote myself to my family as well as my work and I was also interested in taking childcare leave, so I was willing to take childcare leave if my wife wanted to work.

This is not to say, though, that I did not have any anxiety. Unfounded rumors that people who take childcare leave would lose their place at work or would not get promoted sometimes depressed me. Even so, I think I was able to take a step forward because I had built good relationships with the people in my workplace. Because I was blessed to be working with understanding people with whom I had a strong bond of trust that allowed me to talk about work and private life without hesitation, I was able to consult with them about taking childcare leave with the expectation that they would be understanding. In fact, when I first mentioned that I might take childcare leave, they warmly accepted the idea. I remember being overwhelmed by the generous support that my boss offered, including taking the initiative to look up the procedures required to apply for childcare leave. Thanks to such support, I was able to take off on childcare leave in a radiant mood.

When I returned from childcare leave, the people at work warmly welcomed me back. I had been sad with worry that I might feel out of place, but in fact I was given more responsibilities than I had before childcare leave. This made me very happy, knowing that I could go back to work as usual even if I took childcare leave.

My second child was born in November 2020, and I am now trying to balance work and childcare while bearing work efficiency in mind. This time my wife has taken extended childcare leave and takes care of the children during the day, so I am responsible in the evenings for picking up my child from nursery school, doing laundry and finishing up other housework. We both know the difficulty of housework and childcare so, without seeking perfection, we each do whatever we can, easing up when necessary, as we raise our children.

Once I became able to balance childcare and work, I believe I became better at separating my work from my private life. I have devised ways of working efficiently and, when necessary, of putting off until the next day tasks I cannot complete so that I can always leave for home on time. This has given me a more flexible approach to work, prompting me to spend less time overthinking things myself and to consult with others or ask for their support early on.

I am glad that I took childcare leave. By acquiring housework and childcare skills, I am better able to team up with my wife in running our household, and I have been able to watch with my own eyes as my children grow up. I had been concerned because there were few men around me taking childcare leave, but I believe my success has set a good pattern. I was very pleased to hear that one of my university friends had even taken childcare leave after seeing how much I was enjoying it.

Nowadays a man taking childcare leave is considered praiseworthy in and of itself, but this might miss the mark a little. I do not think that all men must take childcare leave, nor do I believe that those who do so are neglecting childcare. Every family has its own circumstances, so it is best to consult with your family when deciding what to do. Childcare leave is just one means. However, if you want to support your wife by taking care of your child, then I certainly want you to take childcare leave.