The administration is reviewing rules that let about 14 million married workers earn as much as 1.03 million yen, or about $11,000, a year tax-free. Removing the measures, which cost an estimated annual $6.5 billion in fiscal revenue, could spur some women to work longer hours, and help bolster Japan's shrinking job market. "The traditional family structure where husbands go out to work and wives look after the home is crumbling," said Akiyoshi Takumori, chief economist at Sumitomo Mitsui Asset Management Co. in Tokyo. "The labour force is shrinking and there is a growing need for immigrants or women to work."

Source: http://www.leaderpost.com