1． Background, Objectives and Motivation
I'm a male employee who took a one-year paternity leave. The motivation came from a desire to focus on my first attempt at childcare after hearing about the challenges of childcare from my brother and colleagues. I ultimately decided to take paternity leave in the hope that my endeavor would lead to the promotion of diverse workstyles and life-work balance in response to the JTB Group's policy of promoting DEIB. I was initially worried when I consulted people on this matter because there was no precedent. However, I was able to take paternity leave without any problems after receiving the warm support of my then Section Manager, GL, and colleagues and the understanding of my entire workplace.

2. Description of Specific Initiatives
During my paternity leave, my wife and I shared childcare and housework and valued our time with our child. I eased the demands on my wife while seeing to the childcare aspects that a man is capable of doing. Before I returned to work, my wife expressed her joy and appreciation of the fact that we were able to focus on childcare together, perhaps because it had been possible to focus on childcare. Naturally, I expressed my appreciation to my wife and I was delighted that I could spend time with my child. I also felt great appreciation for the Company.

３. Going Forward
I am grateful to the Company for having created an environment that allowed me to take paternity leave and effortlessly return to work. I've heard that more male employees are taking long-term paternity leave after I took mine. While my baby step may have been small, I'm delighted if it has helped promote diversity and workstyle changes. I personally would like to contribute to the creation of an environment that embraces flexible workstyles and diversity. This includes creating a workplace that enables a balance of work and childcare for all genders.