Listen to this article Japan Population Faces Existential Threat From Falling Birth Rate, Says Kishida’s Advisor
Introduction
An advisor to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has warned that the country will cease to exist if it can’t address japans population falling birth rate, which threatens to wreak havoc on the economy and social safety net. The dire warning comes after Japan announced that the number of babies born in the country last year slumped to a record low, with nearly twice as many people dying as being born.
Birth Rate Crisis
Masako Mori, an upper house lawmaker and former minister who advises Kishida on the birth rate problem and LGBTQ issues, expressed her concerns about Japans population declining birth rate in a recent interview in Tokyo. She warned that the country is facing a critical situation and added that “If we go on like this, the country will disappear.” Moreover, she emphasized that the consequences of the declining birth rate would be severe, and the people who have to live through the process of disappearance would face enormous harm. According to her, it is a terrible disease that will afflict those children.
Mori’s warning comes amid growing concerns about Japan’s birth rate crisis. With fewer than 800,000 births and nearly 1.58 million deaths, the pace of decline is increasing, and the population has dropped to 124.6 million from a peak of slightly more than 128 million in 2008. Meanwhile, the proportion of people aged 65 and older increased to more than 29 percent last year.
Economic and Social Impact
Mori issued a warning that the social security system, industrial and economic strength, and the Self-Defence Forces’ recruitment would suffer if no action is taken. She emphasized that the birth rate problem isn’t just about numbers, but it’s about the future of the country and the well-being of its people.
Kishida’s Response
In response to the birth rate crisis, Kishida has vowed to double the spending on children and families in an effort to control the declining birth rate in the country. Kishida has stated that he plans to implement a new package that will differ significantly from previous policies, but he has not disclosed any details regarding the allocation of funds.
Conclusion
As Japan grapples with its falling birth rate, it is important to note that the warning from Kishida’s advisor highlights the existential threat the country faces. In addition, this warning serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to address the issue with urgency. The declining birth rate not only has economic and social implications but also threatens the very survival of the country. It remains to be seen whether Kishida’s new package will be enough to address this critical issue.
Comments 1