The number of workers in Japan will fall by 7.9 million, or 12.4 percent, to 55.61 million from 2014 to 2030 if the graying country fails to attain economic growth and bring more women and the elderly into the workforce, a government estimate has shown.

The estimate said that all 47 prefectures will face a workforce decline due to a dwindling birthrate and an aging population.

It also said nonurban areas, which are rapidly aging, tend to face larger declines. The predicted decline exceeded 20 percent in eight such prefectures, including Akita, Aomori and Kochi, but was less than 10 percent in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Aichi and two other prefectures.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever.
By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

SUBSCRIBE NOW