Group 1 - The Japanese government plans to implement a "Child Future Strategy" starting in 2026, requiring all citizens and businesses to pay a "support fund" through health insurance surcharges, with monthly contributions expected to range from 250 to 700 yen by 2028 [3] - The initiative aims to address Japan's declining birth rate, which is projected to fall below 700,000 newborns in 2024, with a birth rate of 1.2, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 [5] - The strategy includes expanding child allowances and providing educational subsidies to encourage marriage and childbirth among young people [5] Group 2 - In contrast, China faces similar demographic challenges, with a population decrease of 2.08 million in 2023 and a natural growth rate of -0.15‰, alongside a declining birth rate of 9.02 million [5] - The Chinese single population exceeds 240 million, with over 77 million living alone, indicating a significant economic burden on this demographic, which could be exacerbated by a potential "single tax" [6] - China has implemented various measures to encourage childbirth, including the promotion of two-child and three-child policies, extended parental leave, and increased investment in childcare services [7]

Core Viewpoint - The Japanese government is implementing a nationwide social security fee, termed as "child-rearing support fund," to address the severe declining birth rate, rather than a tax specifically targeting single individuals [1][3]. Group 1: Population Crisis - Japan's birth rate has reached a historic low of 1.2, with only 758,600 births in 2023, significantly below the 2.1 needed to maintain population levels [1][3]. - The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research had predicted that the birth rate would fall below 760,000 by 2035, but this milestone was reached 12 years earlier than expected [1][3]. Group 2: Financial Implications - By 2028, the government plans to allocate 3.6 trillion yen annually for measures against declining birth rates, with 1 trillion yen sourced from the child-rearing support fund [3]. - The fee structure is income-based, with individuals earning 2 million yen paying 2,400 yen in 2026, increasing to 4,200 yen by 2028, while those earning over 10 million yen will pay 12,000 yen in 2026 and 19,800 yen in 2028 [3]. Group 3: Social Equity Concerns - The policy has sparked debates over social equity, as families with children can receive various subsidies, while single individuals or childless couples bear the financial burden without compensation [3][5]. - Over 60% of respondents oppose the policy, particularly younger individuals who feel it unfairly shifts the financial responsibility of child-rearing onto them [5]. Group 4: Structural Changes in Society - The lifelong unmarried rate has surged, with over 25% of men and nearly 20% of women choosing to remain single, reflecting a significant societal shift [5]. - Factors such as unstable income, high housing costs, and work pressure deter young people from marriage and childbearing, indicating that economic incentives alone may not suffice to encourage higher birth rates [5][6]. Group 5: Policy Implementation Challenges - The policy is viewed as a wealth redistribution mechanism, transferring resources from childless individuals to families with children, which may create adverse incentives [7]. - Concerns exist regarding the effective use of funds for child-rearing support and the potential for misuse or inefficiency in the implementation of the policy [7]. Group 6: Long-term Considerations - The policy may exacerbate societal divisions between single individuals and families, highlighting the tension between personal choice and collective societal interests [9]. - A comprehensive approach addressing systemic issues such as housing affordability, job stability, and educational burdens is essential for effectively tackling the declining birth rate [9].

Group 1 - Japan's newborn birth rate has fallen below 700,000, with a total fertility rate dropping to below 1.2, breaking historical records. It is projected that by 2070, Japan's population may decrease from 120 million to 87 million [2][3] - The Japanese government is implementing a "Child and Childcare Support Fund" system starting in April 2026, which will impose monthly fees on individuals aged 20 and above without children and earning over 2 million yen annually, including foreign residents. The fees will range from 200 to 1,000 yen per month, with a maximum of 1,650 yen [3][4] - This initiative has been interpreted by the public as a "single tax," leading to significant controversy and debate among citizens regarding the fairness of taxing individuals for not having children [7][12] Group 2 - Concerns are raised that if the trend of declining birth rates continues, Japan's population could drop to 50 million by 2100, predominantly consisting of elderly individuals. This demographic issue is echoed in other countries, such as China, where the elderly population is also increasing significantly [13]

Core Viewpoint - The Japanese government's new policy, starting in 2026, will impose a "Child Support Tax" on all citizens enrolled in public health insurance, regardless of marital status, which has been criticized as a "single tax" due to its perceived inequity [1][6]. Group 1: Policy Details - The tax will be based on income, with higher earners paying more; by 2028, high-income individuals could pay up to 19,800 yen (approximately 900 RMB) annually [1][4]. - Initial monthly payments will start at 200 yen for those earning 2 million yen (about 90,000 RMB) and increase progressively with income [1][4]. - The funds collected will be used to expand child allowances and support services for families with children, but single individuals and childless couples will not receive direct benefits [1][4]. Group 2: Public Reaction - A recent poll indicates that 42.1% of the public opposes the tax, with younger demographics expressing significant discontent, citing issues like stagnant wages and high living costs as barriers to starting families [6][9]. - Some individuals have expressed extreme views, suggesting they might engage in repeated marriages and divorces to avoid the tax, reflecting a sense of desperation among single citizens [6][9]. Group 3: Societal Implications - The policy highlights systemic discrimination against single individuals in Japan, where married people often enjoy more benefits in various aspects of life [7][9]. - The government's approach to addressing the declining birth rate through economic penalties may backfire, potentially leading to increased resistance to traditional family structures among young people [11][12]. Group 4: Broader Context - Japan faces a severe demographic crisis, with a total fertility rate of 1.26, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1, and projections suggest a potential population decline of one-third by 2065 [7][8]. - Historical evidence suggests that financial incentives alone may not effectively address the complex reasons behind low birth rates, as seen in other countries like France [9][12].

2025年06月29日 星期日 单身噩梦？日本明年开征单身税引热议 近日，一则关于日本即将在明年开始征收单身税的消息在网络上迅速传播，引发了广泛关注和热议。据悉，这项税收将根据 个人的收入和单身年限进行梯度递增，意味着单身状态在日本将不再是一种无忧无虑的选择，而可能成为一种经济上的负 担。 税收细节引发争议 据了解，这项单身税将根据个人的年收入和单身年限进行梯度递增。具体来说，年收入越高、单身年限越长的个人，将需要 缴纳更多的税款。这一细节引发了更多争议。有网友认为，这种税收方式不公平，因为单身并非个人能够完全控制的，而且 高收入者并不一定就需要为单身状态付出更多经济代价。 日本社会单身现象普遍 单身税消息震惊网络 这则消息一经曝出，便在网络上引起了轩然大波。许多网友纷纷表示震惊和不解，认为单身是一种个人选择，不应该被税收 所惩罚。更有网友调侃道："单身也成了一种奢侈，看来得赶紧找个对象了！" | 日本计划明年开始对年满20岁的没有子女目年收入 | | --- | | 超过200万日元(人民币9万8千多) 人群、包括 | | 在日外国人,每月征收200-1000日元(人民币10 | | 元-50元)用来补贴有 ...