Economic Challenges - The Japanese economy is facing significant constraints due to demographic issues, with a focus on the long-term impact of population decline and aging [1][5] - The government has initiated the "Japan Growth Strategy Council" to implement active fiscal policies aimed at increasing income, improving consumer confidence, and enhancing tax revenue [1] - Despite achieving a 5.4% wage increase agreement in 2025, real wage income is still declining due to rising prices, indicating a need for wages to grow at least 3% to meet sustainable inflation targets [3][5] Inflation Impact - The core consumer price index in Tokyo rose by 2.8% year-on-year as of October 31, surpassing previous expectations, with nationwide price increases remaining above the Bank of Japan's 2% target for three and a half years [3] - The rising cost of living, particularly for essential goods, is significantly impacting low-income groups, leading to increased financial strain on the population [3][4] Corporate and Labor Market Dynamics - The number of bankrupt companies in Japan with debts exceeding 10 million yen reached 4,990 in the first half of 2025, marking a 1% increase from the previous year, highlighting the financial strain on small and medium-sized enterprises [4] - Large corporations are raising wages, but the cost is often passed onto suppliers, which poses challenges for small businesses that employ 70% of the workforce [3][4] Demographic Trends - Japan's total population is projected to be slightly above 124.33 million in 2024, reflecting a decrease of approximately 554,500 from 2023, continuing a 16-year trend of population decline [5] - The aging population is leading to increased social security expenditures, which accounted for 33.1% of the total fiscal budget in the 2025 initial budget proposal [5] Workforce Investment - Addressing labor shortages is seen as a structural issue, with calls for reforms in human resource systems to attract talent through flexible work arrangements and salary structures [6] - There is an emphasis on increasing investments in human capital, particularly focusing on women's potential and enhancing productivity in small and medium enterprises [6]

Core Viewpoint - Japan is facing a severe aging population crisis, with 29.4% of its population aged 65 and older, the highest in the world, and projections indicating this could rise to 37.1% by 2050 [4][7]. Group 1: Aging Population Statistics - As of the latest data, Japan has 36.19 million people aged 65 and older, marking a historical high [4]. - The number of people aged 70 and above is 29.01 million, while those aged 75 and above total 21.24 million [7]. - The population aged 100 and above is nearing 100,000, with a year-on-year increase of 4,644 individuals [7]. Group 2: Employment Trends Among the Elderly - The number of employed individuals aged 65 and older has reached 9.3 million, an increase of 160,000 from the previous year, marking a record high for 21 consecutive years [7]. - Elderly workers now represent 13.7% of the total workforce, indicating that one in seven workers is aged 65 or older [7]. - Employment rates for those aged 65-69 stand at 53%, while 35% for those aged 70-74, and 12% for those aged 75 and above [7]. Group 3: Government Policies and Labor Shortages - The Japanese government has revised the "Elderly Employment Stability Law" to improve working conditions for older employees and mitigate rising workplace injury risks [8]. - A report from Oxford Economics highlights the urgent need for Japan to reform its immigration policies to address labor shortages exacerbated by an aging population [10]. - The number of foreign residents in Japan increased by 350,000 in 2024, a 10.5% rise, marking the largest increase since records began in 2013 [10]. Group 4: Public Sentiment and Political Landscape - The issue of immigration has become a focal point in Japanese elections, with mixed public sentiments ranging from concerns about foreign students to criticisms of government policies favoring foreigners [11]. - The current political climate shows a trend towards more conservative immigration policies, with potential candidates advocating for stricter measures against foreign workers [11].

Group 1: Aging Population Data - Japan's elderly population aged 65 and above has reached 36.19 million, accounting for 29.4% of the total population, marking a historical high [2][4] - The proportion of elderly individuals is projected to rise to 37.1% by 2050, indicating a worsening aging crisis [2] - The number of centenarians in Japan is nearing 100,000, with an increase of 4,644 from the previous year [4] Group 2: Employment Trends Among the Elderly - The employment number for those aged 65 and above has reached 9.3 million, an increase of 160,000 from the previous year, representing a record high [5] - Elderly workers now make up 13.7% of the total workforce, with 1 in 7 workers being 65 or older [5] - Employment rates among different age brackets show that 53% of those aged 65-69 are employed, 35% of those aged 70-74, and 12% of those aged 75 and above [5][6] Group 3: Labor Shortage and Immigration Policy - Japan is facing its most severe labor shortage in 35 years, particularly in the non-manufacturing sector [7] - The number of foreign residents in Japan has increased by 350,000, reaching 3.77 million, marking the largest growth since records began in 2013 [7][8] - The current immigration influx is deemed unsustainable, and there is a need for a comprehensive immigration policy to address labor shortages and integrate foreign workers into society [8]

Core Insights - The article discusses the experience of a couple navigating pregnancy and childbirth in Japan, highlighting the challenges faced by the healthcare system, particularly in obstetrics, amid a declining birth rate and financial difficulties for hospitals [29]. Group 1: Hospital and Healthcare System - The hospital mentioned is a church-affiliated institution that has been operating for over 70 years and is the largest comprehensive hospital in the area [4]. - A survey by the Japan Medical Association revealed that over 40% of obstetric departments are operating at a deficit, attributed to population outflow in rural areas and high living costs in urban settings [10]. - The hospital has seen a significant decline in obstetric services, with the impending closure of its obstetrics and newborn emergency departments due to long-term financial losses [29]. Group 2: Obstetric Care and Practices - The hospital performs an average of 260 deliveries per year, with approximately 80 being cesarean sections, indicating a relatively low delivery rate [8]. - The article notes that prenatal genetic testing (NIPT) is not widely recommended by Japanese doctors, with only about 10% of mothers aged 35-39 and slightly over 20% of those aged 40 and above opting for such tests [10]. - The obstetrician, who has experience in the UK, emphasizes the importance of prenatal care and provides clear explanations about genetic testing, reflecting a more modern approach to obstetric care [11][12]. Group 3: Societal Implications - The narrative reflects broader societal issues, such as Japan's aging population and declining birth rates, which are leading to significant changes in the healthcare landscape [29]. - The article suggests that the decline in obstetric services may be an early indicator of future changes in other sectors, including pediatrics and education, as the country grapples with demographic shifts [29].

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]