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Why is Japan's population ageing? What impacts could this have on the country in future? And how is the government trying to tackle the problem?Key facts
- Japan, like many developed countries, is under threat from a declining population.
- Life expectancy in Japan is around 83 years, with 20% of the population aged 65+.
- An ageing population will create problems for Japan, as the number of retirees will increase more quickly than that of the number of workers.
- Japanese governments have introduced measures to encourage population growth, including 1994's 'Angel Plan'.
Transcript
In developing countries, overpopulation threatens the sustainability of national resources.
Developed countries face a similar threat, but from the opposite cause – an ageing and declining population.
Japan
Changing Demographics
In Japan, like many developed countries, life expectancy is increasing.
The average Japanese can expect to live to around 83, and already 20% of the population is aged 65 or over.
Over 25 million Japanese aged 65+
This is due to improvements in living conditions and healthcare.
While an increase in life expectancy is an indicator of population health, in Japan, this is coupled with a declining birth rate.
Fewer babies are being born as Japanese women put career ahead of marriage and family planning.
Population Dynamics
This is what a population pyramid should look like if a population is stable.
But charting Japan's ageing population shows an unstable demographic, with many more older men and women.
An ageing population will create problems for Japan in the future.
The number of retirees would increase more quickly than the number of workers, causing economic decline and putting a strain on national resources and public services, such as healthcare for the elderly and pensions provision.
Population Growth
The Japanese government took action to encourage population growth in 1994, implementing the Angel Plan, which aimed to increase birth rate through a number of social policy measures.
The plan offered counselling for couples and encouraged fathers to play a more equal role.
Child support payments starting at around $50 or 5000 yen per child per month were also given, to encourage Japanese women out of the workplace.
The Angel Plan increased birth rates initially, especially in women aged between 35 and 39 – but by 2009, birth rates had fallen again.
If the current trend continues in Japan, it is estimated that by 2025 there will only be two workers for each retiree – an unstable support ratio if public services are to be sustained.
The Angel Plan is still in place today, as Japan fights to keep its population stable.
