The main driver for this may be Japan's demographic implosion, as stated in the first paragraph: "...improve the balance between work and life...family care".

The main driver for this may be Japan's demographic implosion, as stated in the first paragraph: "...improve the balance between work and life...family care". A three day weekend would give the salaryman/person some time with family. Other countries are making policy changes as well. China is also planning to remove all caps on births to combat what they see as problematic demographics.