[Saga City] 'Paternal Leave: The First Step' Supported with 100,000 Yen! New Subsidy System for SMEs Launches in April
Saga City will launch the 'Male Childcare Leave Promotion Subsidy' in April 2026, granting 100,000 yen to local SMEs where male employees take at least 5 days of childcare leave to promote work-style reform.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 29, 2026 at 02:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 17:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 17:36 (4 min after Collected)
Saga City has launched the 'Male Childcare Leave Promotion Subsidy' starting April 2026, granting 100,000 yen to small and medium-sized business establishments in the city where male employees have taken childcare leave!
This system aims to encourage male childcare leave as an opportunity for 'work review' and 'team strength improvement,' especially in SMEs where securing substitute personnel is difficult. By setting a 'low hurdle' of a total of 5 days, which is easy to introduce even in shift-based workplaces, the city aims to break the 'zero record' of male childcare leave in local companies and support the creation of a workplace environment where everyone can thrive regardless of gender.
■ Details of the System
Amount: 100,000 yen
Target: Businesses in Saga City (can apply at the branch or sales office level) that have 100 or fewer regular employees and at least one male employee who has taken a total of 5 or more days of childcare leave.
* 'Total of 5 or more days' excludes non-working days.
* For leave of 14 days or more, concurrent application with the 'SAGA PAPA Childcare Assist Subsidy (200,000 yen)' provided by Saga Prefecture is possible.
* Applicable to those who returned to work on or after April 1, 2026.
Main Requirements:
- Must have a business office in the city.
- Childcare leave systems must be established in work rules, etc.
- No delinquency in city taxes.
- Must be registered as a Saga City Gender Equality Promotion Partner (new registration possible).
■ Why is this system important now?
'The First Step' brought by 'Total of 5 Days':
The leave period is intentionally set at 5 days to lower the hurdle for establishments that had given up, thinking 'long-term leave is difficult due to labor shortages.' The design emphasizes effectiveness in changing internal awareness by first creating a record for one person.
'Double Support' from Prefecture and City up to 300,000 Yen:
For leave of 14 days or more, concurrent application with the 'SAGA PAPA Childcare Assist Subsidy (200,000 yen)' implemented by Saga Prefecture is possible, allowing for a total support of 300,000 yen. The prefecture and city collaborate to provide generous support.
Childcare Leave as a Prescription for 'Work-Style Reform':
The use of the subsidy is not intentionally restricted, making it a flexible mechanism that can be used for creating a workplace environment, such as allowances for colleagues who cover the work. Emphasis is placed on leading to solutions for management issues such as eliminating dependency on specific individuals and preventing turnover.
This system aims to encourage male childcare leave as an opportunity for 'work review' and 'team strength improvement,' especially in SMEs where securing substitute personnel is difficult. By setting a 'low hurdle' of a total of 5 days, which is easy to introduce even in shift-based workplaces, the city aims to break the 'zero record' of male childcare leave in local companies and support the creation of a workplace environment where everyone can thrive regardless of gender.
■ Details of the System
Amount: 100,000 yen
Target: Businesses in Saga City (can apply at the branch or sales office level) that have 100 or fewer regular employees and at least one male employee who has taken a total of 5 or more days of childcare leave.
* 'Total of 5 or more days' excludes non-working days.
* For leave of 14 days or more, concurrent application with the 'SAGA PAPA Childcare Assist Subsidy (200,000 yen)' provided by Saga Prefecture is possible.
* Applicable to those who returned to work on or after April 1, 2026.
Main Requirements:
- Must have a business office in the city.
- Childcare leave systems must be established in work rules, etc.
- No delinquency in city taxes.
- Must be registered as a Saga City Gender Equality Promotion Partner (new registration possible).
■ Why is this system important now?
'The First Step' brought by 'Total of 5 Days':
The leave period is intentionally set at 5 days to lower the hurdle for establishments that had given up, thinking 'long-term leave is difficult due to labor shortages.' The design emphasizes effectiveness in changing internal awareness by first creating a record for one person.
'Double Support' from Prefecture and City up to 300,000 Yen:
For leave of 14 days or more, concurrent application with the 'SAGA PAPA Childcare Assist Subsidy (200,000 yen)' implemented by Saga Prefecture is possible, allowing for a total support of 300,000 yen. The prefecture and city collaborate to provide generous support.
Childcare Leave as a Prescription for 'Work-Style Reform':
The use of the subsidy is not intentionally restricted, making it a flexible mechanism that can be used for creating a workplace environment, such as allowances for colleagues who cover the work. Emphasis is placed on leading to solutions for management issues such as eliminating dependency on specific individuals and preventing turnover.