Japan is pitching better childcare and expanding government benefits in an attempt to reverse the country's falling birthrate. They are part of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's pledge to take what he calls "unprecedented steps" to tackle the problem.

The number of births is declining at a faster pace than expected. There were fewer than 800,000 last year--- a new record low.

The government released the first draft of its proposals on Friday. The aim is to implement them within a three-year period starting April 2024.

The proposals include abolishing the income limit on government allowances for parents. Payments would also be extended until children graduate from high school.

The quality of childcare at daycares and other facilities would be improved. That would be achieved by reducing the number of kids each childcare worker is responsible for.

The government is also proposing increasing benefits when both parents take leave.

The minister in charge of Declining Birthrate Measures, Ogura Masanobu, says the government must do its utmost to address the issue in the three-year period.

The government plans to come up with a budget outline for the proposals by June.