Topic 4. Why is the Birth Rate in Japan so Low and What Can Be Done? Group 5 Sophie Lo Michael Chou Julia Brito Howard Chang

Japan ’ s population problem  Population Ageing Population Ageing One of the lowest birth rates in the world, and at the same time, one of the highest longevity rates.  Losing Population Losing Population As a result, the population is dropping rapidly, and becoming increasingly weighted toward older people.

Average lifespan of Japan: 82.6 years Average lifespan of world: 69.9 years Birth rate of Japan: 8.3 Birth rate of world:19.3

Japan had 238,632 more deaths than births in 2013.

 According to a report by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research total population in 2013 was 127 million declined by 217,000 people compared to the previous year Japan ’ s population is predicted to shrink to 99.1 million in 2048 and 86.7 million in 2060 nearly half of them will be over 65

Women are having slightly more children but still well below replacement rate. (should be more than 2.1 to sustain population)

The Consequences Reducing innovation Causing social security system collapsed Creating greater financial burdens on youths Reducing the labor force

The Causes  Dysfunctional men and women relationship  Rigid tradition of Japan (marriage, work ethic and child care)  Labor regulation collapsed in the past 20 years (lifetime workers vs non-regular workers)

What Can Be Done?  Abe ’ s government has allocated 3 billion yen (about $29.3 million) to help lift birth rates in the current fiscal year.  Improving the livelihoods of non-regular worker  Adjusting immigration policy

Conclusion  Population growth involves personal freedom and choice.  These is great uncertainty.