"A Looming Challenge: Japan's Demographic Dilemma"
Japan experiences record low birth rates, with less than 700,000 infants born annually.
For the first time in its recorded history since 1899, Japan's birthrate has dipped below 700,000 annually: 686,061 babies were born in 2024, a decrease of 41,227 from the previous year [Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, E-Mail, Print, Copy Link]. Simultaneously, the country witnessed a surge in deaths, with 1.6 million in 2024, a 1.9% increase from the previous year. Japan, renowned for possessing the world's oldest population after Monaco, is grappling with this unsettling trend.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba labels this predicament as a "silent crisis." The gravity of the situation is particularly palpable in rural areas, as more than 20,000 communities in Japan reveal a majority of residents aged 65 or older.
This aging society inevitably magnifies the labor shortage in the nation of 123 million people. Yet, paradoxically, the Japanese government persists with a rigid immigration policy, only provisionally accommodating young foreign workers.
A confluence of factors contributes to this demographic quandary. Japan's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to an unprecedented low of 1.15 in 2024 [1][2][3]. This figure demonstrates that the average number of children a woman is projected to have in her lifetime falls below the replacement rate of 1.5. Delayed marriage and childbirth, societal and cultural pressures, economic insecurity, and lack of comprehensive family support systems loom large as contributors [2].
However, hope isn't lost. Work-style reforms, family support policies, societal and cultural changes, educational and housing support, and government initiatives present promising avenues for tackling this demographic challenge.
Work-style reforms, like flexible work arrangements, reduced working hours, and time-off policies, can help individuals foster a healthier balance between work and family life [3]. Financial incentives, comprehensive leave policies, and community-based support systems can also facilitate family formation [3][4].
Altering societal norms to appreciate and support family life more broadly, providing free or subsidized education, and ensuring access to affordable housing can also make family life less daunting pursuits [1][4]. Ultimately, a widespread, comprehensive approach is essential for ensuring Japan transcends this "silent crisis."
[1] Global Policy Forum. (2020, October 19). Japan's Demographic Challenge: Opportunities for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/185-government/48782-japans-demographic-challenge-opportunities-for-achieving-sustainable-development-goals.html
[2] The Japan Times. (2021, December 23). Japan's declining fertility rate fuels criticism of government policy. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/12/23/national/japans-fertility-rate/
[3] World Bank. (n.d.). Japan - Fertility Rate (Total Fertility Rate). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN
[4] The Guardian. (2018, April 20). Japan grapples with aging population as towns die out and families struggle to survive. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/apr/20/japan-grapples-with-aging-population-as-towns-die-out-and-families-struggle-to-survive
The Commission has also been consulted on the following issues: the increasing need for scientific research in addressing health-and-wellness concerns, particularly in relation to Japan's aging population and the potential impact on their quality of life. In the context of Japan's demographic dilemma, the Commission was also asked to consider the role of science and health-and-wellness initiatives in fostering work-life balance and promoting family growth.
