Why does Japan have so few children

The number of children in Japan has reached its lowest point since 1950, according to figures released by the country's Internal Affairs Ministry. The data reveals that there are just over 14.6 million children in Japan under the age of 14. This decline in the child population is attributed to several factors, including Japan's falling birth rate, high life expectancy, and the resultant challenges it poses to public spending and labor shortages.

This demographic trend in Japan is not unique but part of a global phenomenon seen in advanced economies and some developing countries. It has been ongoing since the post-war period, as more women enter the workforce, leading to delayed childbearing and smaller family sizes. However, in Japan, this trend has accelerated, surpassing government projections, and it is happening for several reasons.

One key factor contributing to this decline is the impact of economic shocks. Events such as the 2008 financial crisis, the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic have led people to reconsider having children due to economic uncertainties.

The video highlights the challenges faced by working mothers in Japan, where adequate childcare facilities are often lacking, and the workplace culture is not conducive to balancing work and family life. The imbalance in gender roles within households, with men spending significantly less time on domestic work compared to women, further discourages women from pursuing both a career and family life.

In Japan, as well as in neighboring countries like China and South Korea, the issue of gender imbalance in domestic responsibilities and the demanding work culture are contributing to women's decisions to have fewer children or delay childbirth.

The declining child population in Japan poses significant long-term implications for the country, including labor shortages, strains on social welfare systems, and challenges in sustaining economic growth.

In summary, Japan's decreasing child population is part of a global trend driven by factors such as delayed childbearing and economic uncertainties. The video also highlights the gender imbalances in domestic work and the demanding work culture that further discourage family formation in Japan. These demographic changes have far-reaching implications for the country's future.