从我家门口向北走十几分钟，有一座小山，名叫瓜生山。瓜是黄瓜，日本称作胡瓜，据说是镇压疫病的牛头天王的爱物。山的标高仅有三百米，但向东北 南三面去，便会深入隔断京都与滋贺的群山。山间有江户时代隐士白幽子的旧迹，幽而不远。徒步者在林间踏出隐约的小道，沿着平和的脊线上升，十分 适合短暂且轻松的户外活动。 入山口要经过一家医院的停车场，车道收束成小路，向上蜿蜒，进入林荫。停车场入口立着一块黄色警示牌，"有熊，当心"。 医院附近熊出没 这是一家教会医院，创始已有七十余年，是周围最大规模的一家综合性医院。妻子怀孕之后，再三考量，选择了这家医院的产科。京都也有不少私人产科 诊所，据说服务周到，医护都很温柔，但妻子自忖年纪不轻，又看了些关于高龄生育的风险的文章，不免多虑，想着万一不顺，总归是综合医院便于跨科 室搬来救兵。 于是陪妻子去做第一次产检。门口守着一位老年保安，帽沿下漏出一圈白色发茬，问我们有没有口罩，没有就要在门口保安室买，否则不能进去。如同酒 店前台的透明挡板、公共场所出入口的消毒液，许多疫情中的习惯悄然延续成自然。挂了号，去妇产科，等候处的落地窗正对着瓜生山的一角，透过树 丛，看见登山小路，不知是否也是熊下来的 ...

Core Viewpoint - Japan is facing a severe crisis of aging and declining birth rates, with the total population decreasing for the 16th consecutive year, raising concerns about the future workforce and economic sustainability [3][4]. Population Trends - As of 2024, Japan's total population is slightly above 124.33 million, a decrease of approximately 554,500 from 2023, representing a decline of about 0.44% [3]. - The native Japanese population is projected to fall below 120 million by 2026, having peaked at 127 million in 2009 [4]. - The elderly population (65 years and older) is approximately 35.69 million, accounting for about 29.6% of the total population, while the working-age population (15 to 64 years) is around 71.24 million, making up about 59% [4]. Regional Population Changes - Out of Japan's 47 prefectures, 46 are experiencing population declines, with only Tokyo showing a slight increase of 0.13% [4][5]. - The largest population decrease is observed in Akita Prefecture, with a decline of 1.84% [5]. Foreign Population Dynamics - The number of foreign residents in Japan has increased significantly, with a rise of 350,000 in the past year, reaching 3.77 million, marking a 10.5% year-on-year growth [7]. - Foreign residents now account for a substantial portion of the population, with the largest groups coming from China (23.2%), Vietnam (16.8%), and South Korea (10.9%) [7][8]. Economic Implications - The influx of foreign tourists has also been notable, with over 33 million visitors in the past year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and contributing significantly to Japan's economic growth [7]. - The government has recognized the need for policies to manage the increasing foreign population, as highlighted by the establishment of the "Foreign Resident Coexistence Promotion Office" [9]. Political Landscape - The issue of foreign residents has become a focal point in Japanese politics, with varying perspectives among political parties regarding immigration policies and the treatment of foreigners [8][9]. - A recent election saw the rise of a right-wing party advocating for prioritizing Japanese citizens, reflecting growing concerns about national security and social order [8].

Group 1: Population Trends in Japan - Japan's total population, including foreign residents, is projected to be slightly over 124.33 million in 2024, a decrease of approximately 554,500 from 2023, representing a decline of about 0.44% [1] - The native Japanese population has decreased to 120.65 million, down by about 908,000 from the previous year, marking a historical low [1] - Japan's population has been declining for 16 consecutive years, with the largest drop recorded since 1968 at approximately 0.75% last year [1] Group 2: Regional Population Dynamics - Among Japan's 47 prefectures, 46 are experiencing population declines, with Tokyo being the only area to see an increase of 0.13% [3] - The elderly population (65 years and older) in Japan is approximately 35.69 million, accounting for about 29.6% of the total population [3] - The Tokyo metropolitan area has attracted young families due to strong support for childcare and education, with a fiscal budget of 9.158 trillion yen for 2025, an increase of over 700 billion yen from the previous year [3] Group 3: Foreign Population in Japan - The number of foreign residents in Japan increased by 350,000 last year, a year-on-year growth of 10.5%, reaching a total of 3.77 million, the highest since records began in 2013 [5] - The top three countries of origin for foreign residents are China (23.2%), Vietnam (16.8%), and South Korea (10.9%) [5] - In 2023, Japan welcomed over 33 million foreign tourists, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, indicating the tourism sector's significance to Japan's economic growth [5] Group 4: Public Sentiment and Political Response - Public sentiment towards foreign residents in Japan is mixed, with concerns about competition for resources and social order, leading to the "foreigners" issue becoming a focal point in recent elections [6] - The right-wing party Sanseito, which emphasizes prioritizing Japanese citizens, gained significant traction in the recent elections, reflecting growing political attention to foreigner policies [6] - A new cross-departmental body, the "Foreigners' Coexistence Promotion Office," has been established to address the increasing foreign population and promote equal treatment [7]