每小时3人“孤独死”，日本“第一代不婚族”死后无人收尸

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising phenomenon of "lonely deaths" in Japan, highlighting the urgent need for safety solutions for the growing population of individuals living alone, as reflected in the popularity of the app "Are You Dead?" which has seen a 50-fold increase in users [1][2]. Group 1: The Issue of Loneliness in Japan - Japan has been facing the issue of solitary living for over half a century, with "lonely deaths" becoming a significant social concern [5]. - In 2024, data from the Japanese National Police indicated that approximately 76,000 individuals living alone died at home, with over 21,000 classified as "lonely deaths," equating to nearly three people per hour [6][7]. - The phenomenon of lonely deaths is not limited to the elderly; younger generations are increasingly affected, with hundreds of individuals aged 10 to 30 reported to have died alone in recent years [9][12]. Group 2: Societal Changes and Their Impact - The rise in solitary living began in the 1970s during Japan's economic boom, leading to a breakdown of traditional multi-generational family structures, with the proportion of single-person households exceeding 34.6% by 2015 [13][14]. - A significant portion of lonely deaths involves individuals aged 85 and older, with social isolation and aging being core contributing factors [16]. - The lack of social support is stark, with less than 20% of Japanese people reporting having reliable friends, a figure significantly lower than in Western countries [19]. Group 3: Economic Implications and Responses - The growing solitary living situation has given rise to a unique "loneliness economy" in Japan, with businesses adapting to provide services that cater to the needs of solitary individuals, such as convenience stores offering various essential services [20]. - The "end-of-life" industry is emerging, providing comprehensive planning services for individuals, including funeral arrangements and estate management [20]. - Predictions indicate that by 2050, single-person households will account for over 44% of all households in Japan, with a significant portion of elderly men remaining unmarried [28].