Investigating Japan's changing demographics
Investigating Japan’s Changing Demographics The demographics of Japan have been changing drastically over the past centuries, with the nation’s population declining for the first time in its history in 2018. With its birthrates falling far below its death rates, a huge portion of Japan’s population is composed of elders over the age of 65. This shift in the proportions between young and old has brought about a multitude of challenges and effects that the nation is struggling to overcome. In this article, we will explore what is causing the declining birth rates, how the aging population is changing Japan’s economic landscape, and how its hospitality industry is changing to address the new demographic realities. Why Is Japan's Population Declining? There are two major factors contributing to Japan’s slowing birth rate: economic insecurity, and the perception that women can’t balance family life with their careers. The current rate of unemployment in Japan is at its highest since W...