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The recent milestone of the world’s population surpassing eight billion masks a more complex reality. While some regions experience growth, numerous countries face significant declines. This trend is strikingly evident in Japan, where the population peaked at 128 million in 2008 but has been shrinking for 15 consecutive years. With projections suggesting a reduction by as much as half by the end of this century, the implications touch various facets of life, including the economy, healthcare, education, housing, national defense, immigration, and cultural identity. Governments can easily influence economic factors like interest and inflation rates, but stimulating birth rates presents a far greater challenge. We explore this demographic crisis unfolding in Japan, often dubbed the land of the rising sun and now, the land of decreasing numbers.
Ichinono, Japan, is a picturesque village nestled among mountains, about an hour and a half west of Kyoto. Its official population stands at just under 50, although it may feel more populated, thanks to 40 intricate puppets scattered around town. These life-sized puppets add a peculiar charm, appearing in unexpected places like playgrounds and seemingly setting off for the woods.
Shinichi Murayama, the village’s puppet master, reflects on the loneliness that permeates Ichinono. “Back in my day, the village was full of kids,” he recalls, overseeing the creation and placement of puppets to bring life to a dwindling community.
When asked if the puppets help alleviate the solitude, Murayama admits, “Puppets are no substitute for people, of course. But making them cheers us up.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Japan’s demographic challenges. Across the nation, countless communities are witnessing similar fates as Ichinono.
Modern Japan presents a paradox: even with Tokyo being the world’s largest city and an impressive average life expectancy of 85, the country is losing its citizenry at an alarming pace. In the past year, Japan saw more deaths than births, resulting in a net loss approaching one million. Interestingly, sales of adult diapers now surpass those of baby diapers.
Prominent political figure Taro Kono, who nearly attained the position of prime minister in 2021, underscores the urgency of addressing the demographic crisis. “There are issues like climate change and government debt,” he points out, “but if there’s no one living in Japan, these concerns become moot.” Kono articulates a daunting future where a dwindling youth population bears the societal burdens, leading to economic stagnation and recruitment challenges within the Self-Defense Force.
Japan’s shrinking populace isn’t an isolated issue; many countries outside of Africa are grappling with similar population declines. In the U.S., birth rates have fallen to all-time lows, prompting discussions around the implications for societal stability. Kono expresses regret over Japan’s lack of preparedness and identifies a pervasive labor shortage that affects various sectors. He highlights the need for technological investments to compensate for a decreasing workforce while acknowledging the resistance to immigration in Japan’s homogeneous society.
Roland Kelts, a Japanese-American author, observes that Japan’s reduced marriage rates are indicative of broader societal shifts. With arranged marriages becoming less common and an increasing number of women out-earning their male counterparts, traditional social norms are not adapting at a similar pace. In 2023, marriages reached their lowest number since 1917, further highlighting a troubling trend.
While the decline in human relationships is evident, an intriguing phenomenon has emerged where some individuals form romantic attachments to fictional characters. One such individual, Akihiko Kondo, publicly declares his marriage to an anime character, Miku, whom he wed in a formal ceremony in 2018. This growing trend complicates traditional views on intimacy, as nearly half of Japan’s millennial singles report being sexually inexperienced, contrasting sharply with figures from other nations.
As these developments unfold, Tokyo’s governor, Yuriko Koike, actively seeks to counteract the decline in human relationships. “We are promoting matchmaking through artificial intelligence,” she states, illustrating the city’s innovative response to demographic challenges. The government has introduced initiatives like a dating app and a four-day workweek for public employees, aimed at supporting families and improving birth rates.
Yet, as Hanako Okada, a new political figure and former lawyer, argues, the solution lies not in temporary measures but in a fundamental cultural shift toward rural living. She highlights the need for enticing job opportunities in Japan’s countryside, believing that revitalizing rural areas will bring back younger populations and inspire them to start families.
In Ichinono, the Kato family exemplifies this hopeful narrative. After moving from urban to rural life, their son Kuranosuke became the first child born in the village in over two decades. The Katos express contentment with their new lifestyle, embracing nature and traditional values as a remedy to urban isolation.
The juxtaposition of Japan’s decline with these fresh perspectives underscores a complex narrative. While the population diminishes, the essence of community and connection is being redefined. Through innovative solutions and renewed appreciation for rural life, Japan may yet navigate its demographic crisis, albeit in a landscape markedly different from its past.
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