Japan’s Ageing Population

Background Information
Japan has the highest proportion of elderly citizens of any
country in the world. Over 30% of the Japanese population
is above the age of 65.

Japan had a post-war baby boom between 1947 and 1949,

followed by a prolonged period of low fertility. These
trends resulted in the decline of Japan's population
beginning in 2011.

Japan's TFR (total fertility rate) has decreased to a below replacement level low of 1.34 children born per woman.

Causes of the ageing demographic

High Life Expectancy

• Japan's life expectancy is 85 years. As Japan's overall population

decreases, the proportion of the elderly increases. Factors such as
improved nutrition, advanced medical technologies, and improved
living conditions have all contributed to its high life expectancy.
• Healthcare spending has increased as Japan's older population
spends more time in hospitals and visiting medical personnel.

Economy and culture

• A range of factors led to the decrease of childbirths in Japan.

• Later and fewer marriages; poor work-life balance; increased participation of women in the workforce; a
decline in wages and lifetime employment; small living spaces in cities; and the high cost of raising a child.

• Many young people are worried about economic uncertainty (doubts) because of a lack of regular
employment. About 40% of Japan's work force is non-regular (part-time and temporary workers).

• Government surveys showed that 25% of single

adults have no aspiration (dream/desire) to marry.
Common reasons for remaining single include the
loss of freedom; financial burden; and housework.

Overwork

• Many economically active Japanese people report

that tiredness from overwork delays or stops their
motivation to pursue romantic relationships, and
therefore have children.

Single status

• In Japan, 70% of single Japanese men call themselves "herbivore men" (sōshoku danshi), meaning that they
are not interested in getting married or having a girlfriend.
• The University of Tokyo revealed that virginity rates showed that the lack of heterosexual sexual experience is
rising. Only men with permanent, full-time employment and high incomes were more likely to have had sex.