In Japan, a significant portion of the population has entered the age of 80 and above. Specifically, one out of every 10 people in Japan falls into this elderly age group. This demographic shift has led to Japan being referred to as the "oldest country in the world." A report from BBC highlights that Japan's population is now predominantly aged 80 and older, marking a historic and substantial change in the country's demographics.
Furthermore, nearly 30% of Japan's total population, which is approximately 125 million people, is aged 65 or older, setting a new record for the nation. Japan faces two critical challenges: First, it grapples with one of the lowest birth rates globally, and second, the population is ageing rapidly, presenting formidable obstacles in terms of providing support and care for the elderly.
According to a United Nations study, Japan boasts the highest proportion of people aged 65 or above in the world. Italy and Finland follow closely behind, with 24.5% and 23.6% of their populations falling into this age category, respectively.
Looking ahead, there are sobering projections on the horizon. By the year 2040, it is anticipated that individuals aged 65 and older will constitute a significant 34.8% of Japan's overall population, as projected by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research. While Japan maintains one of the highest rates of elderly employment globally, with more than 13% of the workforce aged 65 or above, this has not substantially alleviated the financial strain on Japan's social security system, which caters to the needs of older citizens.
Japan's government has allocated a substantial budget for the upcoming fiscal year, driven in part by the escalating costs associated with social security, particularly for the elderly. Factors such as a high cost of living and extended working hours have contributed to a declining birth rate in Japan, despite various government efforts to address the issue.
It's important to note that declining birth rates are a global concern affecting many nations, including Japan's neighbouring countries like China and South Korea. However, the challenge is especially acute in Japan. In the previous year, Japan reported an estimate of fewer than 800,000 births, marking the lowest number of births in the country since records began in the 19th century.
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed his concerns about this issue, stating that Japanese society is teetering on the brink of significant challenges due to the declining birth rate. Nevertheless, Japanese authorities have been hesitant to embrace migrant workers as a solution to the fertility decline, despite the pressing demographic issues.
Some other Asian countries are also grappling with similar demographic challenges. While the United Nations and several news outlets confirmed that India's population surpassed China's in April 2023, China's population experienced its first decline since 1961, and South Korea has reported the lowest fertility rate globally. These demographic shifts underscore the complex and evolving nature of population dynamics in the region and around the world.
Start a Conversation
Post comment