Group 1 - The core issue of declining birth rates is not merely an economic problem, but a complex societal challenge that Japan has been facing for over 16 years, with a continuous population decline recorded [3][4][7] - As of January 1, 2025, Japan's population is projected to be 120.65 million, a decrease of 908,000 from the previous year, marking the fastest decline since 1968 [3][4] - The aging population is a significant concern, with 29.58% of the population aged 65 and older, and predictions indicate that by 2030, a substantial portion of the male and female population may choose to remain unmarried [4][6] Group 2 - The Japanese government has implemented various policies to address the declining birth rate, but these efforts have not yielded significant results, leading to increased societal anxiety [7][9] - The "New Dimension Childcare Policy" introduced by Prime Minister Kishida in 2023 aims to provide enhanced financial support for families with children, extending benefits to families until children reach 18 years old [9][10][11] - Despite the financial incentives, public skepticism remains regarding the effectiveness of these measures, as previous policies have not successfully addressed the root causes of declining birth rates [13][18] Group 3 - The government plans to improve childcare quality by increasing the teacher-to-child ratio in nurseries and kindergartens, and to support parents in balancing work and family life [15][16] - The emergence of a growing group of "voluntary singles" poses a challenge to government policies, as financial incentives may not appeal to those who lack the desire to marry or have children [20][28] - The societal trend of individuals preferring stable, comfortable lives without the pursuit of marriage or children reflects a broader shift in values that may not align with traditional family structures [24][29]