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BYU Asian Studies Student Journal

Keywords

fertility decline, demographic crisis, public policy

Abstract

Japan has been facing fertility decline over the past several decades. Indeed, this decline constitutes a severe demographic crisis due to its birth rates falling to record lows year after year. Low birth rates have been correlated with economic and societal instability. As Akram (163) posits: “The combination of unfavorable demographics and poor economic growth has resulted in a secular decline” which has no current sign of shifting based on current policy. The government has implemented numerous policies to try and tackle this issue, but with little success. Japan’s population as of 2024 is estimated to be 125 million and projected to decrease to under 100 million by 2048 (Baldwin, 24). This would be comparable to the population size of Vietnam.

This paper examines the current state of Japanese public policy as it pertains to birth rates. I analyze various policies that have aimed to change the directional course that the country is headed into by highlighting the socioeconomic challenges and limitations through the complex interplay of economic, social, and cultural factors contributing to low fertility. By comparing past efforts and their outcomes, alongside initiatives undertaken by its neighboring country South, this paper provides potential strategies for effectively reversing the negative downward trend of fertility. I argue, that to reverse the projected direction of low birth rates, a renewed focus on patriotism linking the issue to civic duty, national pride, and the family unit can reshape the country’s future.

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