In an article by a staff writer on May 10th, the Daily Yomiuri, one of Japan’s leading dailies, analyzes the differences in birthrate among Germany, Italy and Japan.

Noting that the European countries’ birthrates are off the lows of a few years ago, the article explains how Italy and Germany are spending 1.3% and 2.01%, respectively, of GDP on family policies.

Japan is spending 0.75% of GDP on family policies.

Both Italy and Germany have passed legislation to improve childcare services, and provide compensation for parents to take childcare leave.

As part of a six-year plan, Germany has allocated C2.76 billion by 2013 to expand the capacity of child care centers.

Visiting Japan, the Italian minister for family policies said that unemployment among youth in Italy was the cause of declining birthrates, especially that among women.

She said it was necessary for both Italy and Japan to help young people to marry, and to expand official assistance to households with children.

The full article can be accessed here.