“Government to Youth: Have More Babies!” Youth: “Can’t Have Kids in This Hopeless Country”
Birth Rate 0.72
Can you guess which country’s data this is?
This is South Korea’s latest birth rate.
While Japan has reported on its neighbor South Korea’s low birth rate, which is certainly true, Japan’s own birth rate and its youths’ desire to have children are also bleak.
In this article, we’ll analyze the anguish Japanese youth feel towards raising children and their perspectives on lifestyle and future planning.
Especially for readers residing in developed countries, I believe this article will provide insights that resonate with your own nations.
Introduction
Our country, Japan, is facing a severe population decline crisis. As of 2023, Japan’s population stands at around 124.5 million, but government research institutes project that by 2056, it will drop below 100 million, and by 2100, it will halve to around 80 million. This rate of population decline is unparalleled among developed nations.
Amidst the progression of an aging society with fewer children, what will become of Japan’s future? The government and experts have begun to seriously consider countermeasures to this problem. This essay will introduce the gravity of Japan’s population decline and the heated discussions surrounding its resolution.
The “Population Vision 2100" Proposal by the Japan Business Federation
In March 2023, the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) compiled a population strategy proposal titled “Population Vision 2100.” This proposal sets a goal of stabilizing Japan’s population at around 80 million by 2100 and building a society with growth potential.
One of the secretariat members of the Population Strategy Council that compiled this proposal, Chikako Ibaraki, described the severity of the population decline as follows:
“Many local municipalities have reported dire situations. Yamanashi Prefecture has issued a state of emergency regarding population decline, while in Aomori Prefecture, the population of those in their 20s has halved, and Akita Prefecture has the highest aging rate among prefectures at 38.6%. The depopulation crisis is intensifying, particularly in rural areas.”
Two Issues: The Speed of Population Decline and Population Structure
Ms. Ibaraki pointed out two major risks associated with the population decline:
- The speed of population decline. If the population declines rapidly, society will constantly be forced into a “contraction and withdrawal” mode, and the public mindset may spiral into a contraction mindset. The range of choices will narrow, making it more difficult to take on new challenges.
2. Population structure. If the declining birthrate continues, the aging rate will exceed 40%, potentially causing a generational divide. The burden on the child-rearing generation to support the elderly will become excessive, risking a loss of societal vitality.
Rural Depopulation as the Trigger for Population Decline
Ms. Ibaraki further notes that the catalyst for population decline originated in rural areas:
“In rural areas, population decline had already been progressing due to both the social decrease from young people migrating to major cities like Tokyo and the natural decrease from low birth rates.”
In other words, the depopulation of rural areas has sparked a nationwide population decline.
The Government Urged to Implement Concrete Measures
In response to the proposal, attendees voiced various opinions to the government:
“Doesn’t the failure of the government’s efforts to address the declining birthrate over the past 20 years warrant reflection?”
“What specific choices can be offered to young people?”
“In the end, doesn’t the only solution lie in providing incentives that make young people want to have children?”
As such, the government is being called upon to reflect on its past policies and present new, effective measures.
Listening to the Voice of Youth
On the other hand, some opinions were raised from the youth’s perspective:
“It’s wrong for older generations to unilaterally decide on policies without listening to the voices of youth. That’s paternalism.”
“Marriage and childbirth are personal choices. The government shouldn’t interfere.”
Indeed, personal life plans are diverse, and there are questions about the government’s unilateral encouragement of childbearing. However, faced with the grave issue of population decline, the government may need to present some vision.
Conclusion:
Sincerely Listen to Youth and Build Consensus
As we have seen, various opinions exist regarding the population decline issue. Government policies, generational gaps, individual freedom – the challenges to overcome are piling up.
However, one certainty is that resolving this issue requires sincerely listening to the candid voices of youth and carefully building consensus. To confront this unprecedented crisis of population decline, each and every citizen must have a sense of personal stake and engage in constructive discussions.
Moreover, effective and multifaceted policies – such as childcare support, work-style reforms, and immigration policies – must be implemented. Resolving the population decline issue will be a long journey, but by uniting the efforts of each individual who loves this country, it can surely be overcome.