Japan’s shocking population decline calls for urgent action, govt to take these actions, offer financial help

In an alarming sign of birth decline in Japan, the authorities are hurrying to take certain urgent action to arrest the population decline which is already aging. Further, a report by the Health Ministry has revealed that the number of marriages conducted in Japan by Japanese nationals is also on the decline. This has created a crisis-like situation in one of Asia’s most advanced economies considered to be a powerhouse in electronic manufacturing. This has serious implications for the Japanese society, its economy, and security. This comes amid Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.

What does the report say?

For the year 2023, the report notes that the birth rate has fallen for the eighth straight year. According to the report, the fertility rate of women stood at 1.2. This indicates the number of children a woman is expected to bear in her lifetime. The number of children born in 2023 stood at 727,277. This indicated a decline of 5.6% as compared to 2022. This has been the lowest birth rate recorded in the country since 1899 when the authorities started compiling data.

There has also been a decline in the number of marriages in the country. 474,717 marriages were conducted last year. This signified a decline of 6% as compared to 2022. The authorities have noted that this is the reason for the decline in the birth of children. Japan is known for its traditional Asian values which prevent the birth of children out of wedlock.

Urgent action needed

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi described the situation as critical and called for urgent action which can only be taken before 2030 after which the situation may get out of control. Economic issues, cost of living, and difficulties in maintaining work-life balance were attributed to be some of the reasons for this decline.

This data comes amid the government allocating $34 billion in the budget for the year 2024. This will be spent on providing financial support to married couples and those expecting the birth of children. Various health interventions are being planned. Japan seeks to spend $23 billion in budget finance over the next 3 years to address this issue.

Critics have pointed out that this does not address the issue of marriage reluctance.

FAQs:

How serious is the population issue in Japan?
Japan’s population of more than 125 million is projected to fall by 30% to 87 million by 2070 with four out of 10 people aged 65 years or above. This has raised concerns in the government.

Which is the most populated city in the world?
Tokyo in Japan is the most populated city in the world. It has a population of over 37.1 million.