Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi answers questions at a Upper House budget committee session on the morning of April 27 at the Diet. (©Sankei/Ataru Haruna)
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At an April 27 Upper House budget committee session, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed calls circulating on Japanese social media to dismantle the Children and Families Agency.
Responding to questions from Junko Mihara, a Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker and former Minister of State for Policies Related to Children, Takaichi said, "It is extremely important to take a comprehensive approach to policy implementation, with the Children and Families Agency serving as the central coordinating body."
Mihara noted that the agency, which marked its third anniversary on April 1, "has steadily delivered a certain level of results." She cited measures such as removing income limits on child allowances and the full rollout of a universal nursery access program, and observed that "many policies introduced or decided in the three years since its establishment are now entering full implementation after a period of preparation."
Clarifying the Budget
Mihara also pushed back on what she called misunderstandings about the agency's budget, which has grown from roughly ¥4.8 trillion (around $30.5 billion) in fiscal 2023, when the agency launched, to approximately ¥7.5 trillion in fiscal 2026. She stressed that the total includes spending overseen by other ministries, explaining, "This figure is compiled by the Children and Families Agency to provide a comprehensive picture of government spending on child and childcare support. I ask that this point be understood."
At the same time, Mihara expressed concern over mounting criticism of the agency—particularly on social media—fueled in part by frustration that the birth rate has yet to recover despite increased spending. "Some critics are even saying, 'Wouldn't it be better to scrap the agency and give ¥10 million to each newborn?'" she said.
A 'Children-First' Society
Mihara noted that the fiscal 2026 budget spans a wide range of measures, including operating costs for daycare centers and after-school childcare programs, child allowances, parental leave benefits, child abuse prevention, support for single-parent households, and reduced university tuition.
"All of these are essential. None can simply be cut," she said. "The Children and Families Agency is responsible not only for addressing the declining birth rate, but also for supporting children who are living today."
She then asked the prime minister to reaffirm her commitment.
Takaichi agreed, saying the government's goal was to "create an environment in which people can fulfill their hopes for marriage, childbirth, and child-rearing, while also supporting the children and young people who are alive today."
She outlined plans to expand targeted support for different household needs, including broader access to high-quality babysitting services and stronger assistance for low-income families, single-parent households, and young caregivers. "We will do everything we can to realize a 'children-first' society," she said, reaffirming the central role of the agency in that effort.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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