Japan Faces Population Decline: 40% of Towns at Risk
A recent report by the "Population Strategy Conference," composed of Japanese private experts, highlights Japan's population challenges. By 2050, the population of women aged 20 to 39—the prime childbearing age group—will decrease by half. Approximately 744 cities and towns across Japan, nearly 40% of all municipalities, are at risk of disappearing due to this demographic decline.
The report categorizes municipalities into four groups:
1. At-Risk Municipalities: These towns face the highest risk of disappearing due to the projected halving of young women's populations.
2. Black Hole-Type Municipalities: Although not at immediate risk, these areas have low birth rates and rely on external population inflows for growth.
3. Self-Sustaining Municipalities: These towns are projected to maintain nearly 50% of young women in their populations even 100 years from now.
4. Other Municipalities: The remaining local governments also face declining populations of young women.
Japan's declining birth rate—currently at 1.26 children per woman—poses a significant challenge. To maintain a stable population, the ideal figure should be around 2.07.
Despite an increase in foreign residents, the overall trend of population decline remains. Urgent measures are needed to address this demographic shift.
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