Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishidam, shows concern on country’s falling birth rate. Japan faces a two-fold challenge: an ageing population and a rapidly declining birth rate. These two demographic crises have been a focus of government attention since the 1990s. They have led to a variety of major initiatives.
The fertility rate in Japan has slowed dramatically over the past 20 years. It reached a record low of 1.26 in 2005. In order to improve the birth rate, the Japanese government has stepped up its efforts to encourage women to have children. However, the effort is failing. This is partly because the economy is precarious, putting young people off from marriage and family life. Also, a lack of access to quality child care is preventing many young couples from having children.
A new program called the New Angel Plan has been introduced in Japan to encourage couples to have more children. But its effect has been minimal. Many critics say the program is not enough to bring about a dramatic increase in births. Some argue that the extra 80,000 yen is not enough to offset the decline in birth rates.
At the same time, the workforce will shrink. And, according to demographers, it will be a problem for the economy. With a population that ages rapidly, it is important to find ways to support and care for elderly citizens.
A recent study found that a third of elderly Japanese people are suffering from some form of dementia. And Japan will face severe labor shortages as the ageing population continues to swell.
Despite the challenge, the Japanese government has remained committed to its goal of improving the birth rate. It has offered incentives to encourage larger families, as well as incentives for children to be born in Japan.
However, most incentives have been monetary, and they do not address the larger problems facing young couples. Several local municipalities have offered subsidies and incentives to increase the number of children in a family. Moreover, Japan needs to provide better access to quality child care, particularly for mothers.
Since the late 1980s, Japan’s fertility rate has been steadily declining. While the government has been successful in increasing the labour force participation rate of women, it is difficult for women to have more children. Increasing the education of women is a key factor.
Japan‘s Falling Birth Rate is a big concern- Says Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishidam #news https://t.co/WRNWgKQjBv
— The Publishers Weekly (@TPWeekly) January 25, 2023
There has also been a significant increase in the number of foreigners living in Japan. According to the government, over a million Chinese and half a million ethnic Koreans live in the country. Those who move to Japan are often subject to strict immigration laws. Still, those who want to remain in the country are encouraged to continue working.