Kishida on demographics, defense and disparity
In an exclusive interview, Prime Minister Kishida addresses the foreign and domestic issues that loom large, from the war in Ukraine to his promotion of “new capitalism” in Japan.
Calls grow for drastic steps to address Japan's sliding birthrate
The number of babies born in the country in 2022 dropped below 800,000 more than a decade sooner than the government had estimated.
School closures continue as Japan’s population declines
As Japan's birthrate drops quicker than expected, more schools in rural areas are closing their doors.
As Japan grays, young Indonesians train to fill caregiver vacancies
According to estimates, only about 130,000 of the 340,000 vacancies on a Japanese government program to employ foreigners with special skills, in sectors like caregiving, have been filled.
Rising number of uncontested seats in Japan sparks calls for change
A quarter of candidates in 41 prefectural assembly elections ran unopposed — the second highest ever — prompting even the winners to call for reforms.
Japan launches new agency to handle issues related to children
The agency, under the direct supervision of the prime minister, will tackle a wide range of challenges, including the perilously low birthrate, child abuse and poverty.
Japan announces outline of 'unprecedented' child care policy
The measures aimed at reversing Japan’s declining birthrate include beefing up child care allowances and expanding scholarships for college education.
Japan to face 11 million worker shortfall by 2040, study finds
The working age population is expected to rapidly decline from 2027, according to the study by independent think tank Recruit Works Institute.
Fears of societal collapse prompt new push for babies in Japan
Ideas like compulsory paternity leave, canceling student debt for people who have a baby, and ¥10 million ($76,445) payouts for a third child have been thrown around in recent weeks.
Support for new Fukushima Prefecture residents key to tackling depopulation
The number of people moving to the area is on the rise, but with some new arrivals then moving away again, the prefecture is faced with a growing issue.
COVID-era relocation trend may be fading despite work flexibility
The balance between those relocating to Tokyo and those leaving it widened again last year, accelerating the capital's population growth.
The new tax, set for introduction in 2026 at the earliest, aims to boost the property market amid an exodus of young people struggling to secure housing in the city.
