| MercatorNet | April 29, 2017 |
An update from Japan
As you will probably guess, the demographic news is still not good.
There are further figures released by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication which show that the third largest economy in the world’s population continues to decline. As of October 1 2016, there were 126.93 million people in Japan, down 162,000 from a year earlier and the sixth straight year in which the population declined. The country’s population decline was softened by a record rise in the number of foreign residents living in Japan: there were 136,000 more foreign residents from a year before, taking the total to 1.91 million. This means that the number of Japanese citizens fell by about 299,000 to 125.02 million. This latter figure perhaps highlights Japan’s demographic problem since there is a continued reluctance to admit large numbers of immigrants to replace the ageing native population. And the population continues to age at a rapid rate: over 27 per cent of the population is now aged over 65, while those in the working-age cohort (15-64 years) fell to the lowest proportion since 1951 (60.3 per cent).
These figures are adding to concerns about Japan’s medium and longterm population trend. The Daily Telegraph recently reported that the Japanese health ministry has predicted that the overall population will fall to 88 million within 50 years and to 51 million within one hundred years. By 2063 the proportion of the population over the age of 65 will have climbed to 38 per cent. Each pensioner will be supported by only 1.2 working aged persons, as opposed to the current 2.1 workers per pensioner. The Japanese government is trying to prevent the population falling below 100 million and has even appointed a cabinet minister to prevent this happening before 2060. The current figures suggest that Japan will reach the 100 million mark by 2053.
Aside from the cabinet appointment, the government has also tried to mobilise the elderly into a potential workforce, to increase productivity through the reliance on artificial intelligence and robotics, and to improve the social security and welfare systems. The female workforce is also another area that Japan could increase its economic growth, although there are many barriers in is way, including a shortage of childcare facilities. One further option, and one that many countries have turned to, is to increase immigration. If the number of foreigners in Japan was increased by 250,000 per year, then the country’s population is estimated to be much higher: nearly 101 million in 2065. However, many Japanese are adverse to such a course, wondering what social and cultural issues such largescale immigration would bring in its train. Japan might be prevented from suffering demographic decline, but at what price?
April 29, 2017
Our apologies to readers. Over the past few hours we have been making a security update to the MercatorNet site. However, it is taking longer than we expected and there may be some interruption of service.
However, we have some great reading for you over the weekend. Just check out the links below.
Michael Cook
Editor
MERCATORNET
| A child’s etiquette of sharing By Tamara El-Rahi Should you allow your child to share with other kids? Read the full article |  |
| Kate O’Beirne was an originalist By Sheila Liaugminas She knew that what constituted the authentic,complete modern woman is what always did Read the full article |  |
| Why are so many lesbians getting pregnant? By Glenn T. Stanton The stereotype of an exclusively female orientation has been exploded Read the full article |  |
| An update from Japan By Marcus Roberts As you will probably guess, the demographic news is still not good. Read the full article |  |
| The bad manners of the campus left By Lawrence W. Reed Stand up to these bullies. Civilisation depends upon it. Read the full article |  |
| Learning from the Master Roaster, Don Rickles By Izzy Kalman One of America's great comedians made a career of insulting celebrities to their faces. Was that bullying? Read the full article |  |
| Belgian Catholic psychiatric hospitals ‘adjust’ their view of euthanasia By Michael Cook From now on it will be difficult to find a psychiatric hospital where euthanasia is not offered Read the full article |  |
| Head of Belgian order explains shock move By Rene Stockman Brother Rene Stockman is devastated by news that Catholic psychiatric hospitals will offer euthanasia Read the full article |  |
| Child’s game turns deadly for inventor By Jennifer Minicus A book for mystery and puzzle-lovers alike Read the full article |  |
| At the heart of health By Andrea Mrozek In Canada, a ground-breaking programme for heart attack patients and their spouses. Read the full article |  |
| The Silmarillion: tracing the roots of Tolkien’s mythical universe By Harley J. Sims Published posthumously, this formidable work provides the backstory to LOTR and its author. Read the full article |  |
| Solidarity, hope and tenderness: Pope Francis’ surprise TED talk By Pope Francis Francis grasps an opportunity to reach a new audience. Read the full article |  |
| Kids, trees and ADHD By Nicole M. King Outdoor play helps kids' mental health, but why are so many disturbed to start with? Read the full article |
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An update from Japan
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