Japan: Prime Minister Kishida has proposed a 3.5 trillion yen package ($25 billion) to battle Japan’s falling birth rate.
After Monaco, Japan has the oldest population and experts are worrying that the country might cease to exist if the current birth rate continues.
With 125 million people, Japan recorded 800,000 births last year.
Kishida says the proposed package won’t hurt the people. “We will move forward with these measures to fight the falling birthrate without asking the public to bear a further burden,” the PM said while addressing key people from business and industry.
The proposed package includes direct subsidies to young people who can have children. These measures include neonatal care and flexible work rules.
Meanwhile, the opposition has criticized this package because it doesn’t explain the source of funds.
Why is Japan’s birth rate declining?
According to Japan’s health ministry, the number of newborns declined to 799, 728 in 2022, the lowest since 1899. Moreover, the number of deaths in 2022 was 1.58 million, which means the population growth rate is declining in Japan.
Many reasons have contributed to this decline. According to TheGeopolitics.com, the growing cost of living expenses, easier access to contraception and the presence of more women in the workforce have contributed to the declining birth rate in Japan.
“Now or never”
While declaring his intent to reverse the falling population of Japan, PM Kishida said “It is now or never when it comes to policies regarding births and child-rearing – it is an issue that simply cannot wait any longer.”
He also said Japan is at the cusp of whether the country will be able to perform its vital functions.
It’s important to note that the median age of Japan is 49, which is next to Monaco.
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