The Japanese government is offering one million yen (7,250 euros) per child as a financial incentive for families to move outside of Greater Tokyo.

The initiative, which is equivalent to tripling the previous 300,000 yen bonus, is due to be launched in April to reverse population decline and demographic decline in rural areas, especially in smaller towns and villages.

Although the population of the Japanese capital declined for the first time last year, this phenomenon is associated with a pandemic. Politicians now say more needs to be done to stop overcrowding in Tokyo and encourage them to start a new life in other less popular parts of the country that have been hit by aging, population decline and the migration of young people to big cities.

The incentive, which is added to an existing 3 million yen allowance already available as financial aid, will be given to families living in Tokyo’s 23 central districts and the neighboring prefectures of Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa. Families will have to move outside of Greater Tokyo to receive assistance, although they are eligible for this amount even if they settle in mountainous areas within the city limits.

The government’s initiative will be launched in April in an attempt to reverse the demographic decline in small towns and villages.

Some 1,300 municipalities, 80% of the total, have joined the program, hoping to take advantage of the change in population behavior that has taken place during the lockdown, when many workers have discovered the benefits of telecommuting. Those who thought they could make money quickly and easily and then return to the capital will be disappointed. A condition of the allowance is that they must stay in their new homes for at least five years, with one of the family members working or planning to start a business. Those who cannot last five years outside the capital will be asked to return aid.

The country’s officials hope the generous allowance will encourage families with children under 18 to revitalize neighborhoods and thereby ease pressure on the housing market in Tokyo, one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas of nearly 35 million people.

In principle, all relocating families can receive an amount of 1 to 3 million yen per household if they meet one of three criteria: employment in a small or medium-sized business in the area where their new home is located, continuing to work remotely. or start a business in a new residence. A family with two children can receive general benefits, including current ones, up to 5 million yen or 36,220 euros. Half of the money comes from the central government and the other half from municipal governments.