Japan records in lowest births
The 758,631 babies born in Japan in 2023 were a 5.1% decline from the previous year — the lowest number of births since Japan started compiling the statistics in 1899.The number of babies born in Japan last year fell for an eighth straight year to a new low, government data showed Tuesday, and a top official said it was critical for the country to reverse the trend in the coming half-dozen year
The number of marriages fell by 5.9% to 489,281 couples, falling below a half-million for the first time in 90 years — one of the key reasons for the declining births. Out-of-wedlock births are rare in Japan because of family values based on a paternalistic tradition.
Surveys show that many younger Japanese balk at marrying or having families, discouraged by bleak job prospects, the high cost of living that rises at a faster pace than salaries and corporate cultures that are not compatible with having both parents work. Crying babies and children playing outside are increasingly considered a nuisance, and many young parents say they often feel isolated.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters Tuesday that the ongoing declining birth rate is at “critical state.””The period over the next six years or so until 2030s, when the younger population will start declining rapidly, will be the last chance we may be able to reverse the trend,” he said. “There is no time to waste.”
Japan’s biggest crisis: PM Kishida
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has called the low births “the biggest crisis Japan faces,” and put forward a package of measures that have included more support and subsidies mostly for childbirth, children and their families.
In Japan, a third of today’s 18-year-old women may not have children: Study
But experts say they doubt whether the government’s efforts will be effective because so far they have largely focused on people who already are married or already are planning to have children, while not adequately addressing a growing population of young people who are reluctant to go that far.
The number of births has been falling since 50 years ago, when it peaked at about 2.1 million. The decline to an annual number below 760,000 has happened faster than earlier projections predicting that would happen by 2035.
Japan’s population of more than 125 million is projected to fall by about 30% to 87 million by 2070, with four out of every 10 people at age 65 or older. A shrinking and aging population has big implications for the economy and for national security as the country seeks to fortify its military to counter China’s increasingly assertive territorial ambitions.
Advantages of high population country
For countries with a high population of young people, the low birth rate in nations like Japan can present several advantages
1. Labor Migration Opportunities
Countries with low birth rates often face labor shortages as their populations age and fewer young people enter the workforce. This creates a demand for workers from younger countries. By facilitating migration, countries with a youthful demographic can help fill gaps in essential sectors, boosting their own economies through remittances and economic activity abroad.
2. Skill Development
Young workers migrating to countries with advanced technologies and industries can gain valuable skills and experiences. Exposure to different work environments, training, and practices can enhance their employability when they return home or move to other markets, fostering a more skilled workforce.!
3. Cultural Exchange
Migration not only fills labor needs but also encourages cultural exchange. As young people from high-population countries move to low-birth-rate countries, they bring new ideas, customs, and perspectives. This diversity can drive innovation and creativity, benefiting both the host country and the migrants’ home countries.
4. Investment in Youth
Countries with a young population can prioritize investments in education and vocational training to prepare their workforce for international opportunities. By developing skills that are in demand in low-birth-rate countries, they can position themselves as competitive players in the global market.
5. Market Expansion
As the population ages in low-birth-rate countries, there is an increasing demand for services tailored to older adults, such as healthcare, leisure, and technology. Countries with a younger demographic can develop products and services to meet these needs, creating new business opportunities and enhancing their economies.
6. Global Collaboration
The interplay between young and aging populations can foster international partnerships. Young countries can collaborate with low-birth-rate nations on technology transfer, education, and research initiatives. This synergy can lead to innovation and shared solutions to global challenges, such as aging populations and workforce sustainability.
7. Demographic Balance
Engaging with countries experiencing demographic decline can create a more balanced global population structure. By facilitating the movement of young workers, countries can contribute to global stability, reduce potential economic disparities, and promote shared growth.
Advantages for tamil people learning Japanese language
Learning Japanese as a Tamil native speaker may come with its unique set of challenges, but with the right strategies and resources, it is entirely achievable. The similarities in phonetics and grammar can provide a good starting point, while the differences, particularly in the writing system, can be tackled with systematic study and practice. Whether for cultural enrichment, career opportunities, or personal interest, mastering Japanese can open up a world of possibilities for Tamil speakers. So, embark on this linguistic journey with enthusiasm and dedication, and discover the beauty of the Japanese language and culture.
Conclusion
In summary, the low birth rates in countries like Japan can be strategically advantageous for nations with a youthful demographic. By leveraging these opportunities, young countries can enhance their economic prospects, promote cultural exchange, and contribute to a more balanced global demographic landscape. This relationship can create a win-win situation, addressing challenges faced by both young and aging populations while fostering growth and innovation.
In conclusion, the relationship between countries with low birth rates and those with a youthful population is not merely one of economic necessity but of profound potential. By recognizing and harnessing these synergies, both types of nations can work towards a future characterized by shared growth, cultural enrichment, and sustainable development. This collaborative approach can create a more resilient global community, equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century while promoting prosperity and well-being for all.
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check out the previous blogs in this series
https://abkaots-th.com/unique-importance-of-japanese-language-part-1
