I think the crushing time commitment of Japanese professionals to their jobs is part of the problem. From my limited western understanding, after work, and socializing with your colleagues from work, there's very little time for Japanese couples to start a family.
Initiatives like this haven’t seemed to work in Sweden, among other countries. I don’t know if any countries have successfully reversed a plummeting birth rate, but it doesn’t seem to be for lack of trying.
Maybe the reality is that, given the choice, most women don’t want to have more than one or two kids under any circumstances?
> I don't think you're very well informed on this subject matter.
I am, son. I studied Japanese language and culture and considered working there. I know that my suggestion is a fat chance but having people work less and be less obsessed with work is the only way.