For dads in Japan
Pregnancy in Japan: what the dad sets up
All English guides for dadsPaperwork: the first two weeksBirth money in JapanPaternity leave in Japan日本語で読む
Checked: ・ Written by: Hiroshi editorial team ・ No health content (numbers checked against official sources) ・ Editorial policy (JA)
Three dad jobs in pregnancy: the pregnancy report at the ward office, telling your employer, and giving leave notice on time (1 month before regular leave※, generally 2 weeks before paternity leave※).
If leave starts on the due date, the regular leave request is due about a month before (week 36) and postnatal papa leave about two weeks before (week 38). Your company may set an earlier date.
By trimester
Early (weeks 4-15)
- Go with mom to report the pregnancy: the ward gives you the Maternal and Child Health Handbook※.
- Note the pregnancy support payment (50,000 yen x (babies + 1), in two parts)※.
- Check you qualify for leave pay: 12 months with 11+ paid days in the last 2 years※.
Middle (weeks 16-27)
- Tell your manager, then HR. Bring questions (see paternity leave).
- Decide who will apply for the child allowance: the higher earner※.
- Ask the hospital about costs: the national grant is 500,000 yen per baby※.
Late (weeks 28-40)
- Give leave notice in writing.
- If mom gives birth in another city (satogaeri), decide who files: registration can be filed at the birthplace, the family register or your address※.
- Read the first two weeks and save the deadlines.
Money overview: birth money. After the birth: birth registration.
Ward-by-ward details: Tokyo wards. Allowance after the birth: child allowance.
In 2 minutes
Deadline calendar from the due date (Japanese)Once a week, by email
Every week, in the app
Join the beta (TestFlight, free)Sources and check dates
- Report the pregnancy to your city/ward office; you receive the Maternal and Child Health Handbook (boshi techo).
母子保健法 第15条・第16条 - Pregnancy support payment: (number of babies + 1) x 50,000 yen from your city/ward, in two parts.
子ども・子育て支援法 第10条の12・第10条の14 - For regular childcare leave, give notice 1 month before the start, or the employer may push the start date back.
育児・介護休業法 第6条第3項 - For postpartum paternity leave (sango papa ikukyu), notice is generally 2 weeks before the start (up to 1 month if a labour-management agreement says so).
育児・介護休業法 第9条の3第3項・第4項 / 厚労省 母性健康管理サイト - To get the leave benefit you need 12 months with 11+ paid days (or 80+ hours) in the 2 years before leave.
厚生労働省 育児休業等給付の内容と支給申請手続(2026年8月1日改訂版) - The applicant is the parent who mainly supports the household, usually the higher earner, so not always the dad.
児童手当法 第4条 / こども家庭庁 Q&A - Childbirth lump-sum grant: 500,000 yen per baby (claim within 2 years); can be paid directly to the hospital.
世田谷区 出産育児一時金(国民健康保険の保険者として) - File it at the city/ward office of the birthplace, the family register (honseki), or the filer's address. No fee. Attach the birth certificate.
法務省 出生届