Title: Why Is Japan's Birth Rate Decreasing?
Headings: Why Is Japan's Birth Rate Decreasing?
Why Is Japan's Birth Rate Decreasing?
Why Is Japan's Population Decreasing?
1. A Shrinking Population
2. Social Consequences
3. Economic Consequences
What's Causing This Decline?
1. Statistical Trends
2. Cultural Foundations
Why Is Japan's Birth Rate Decreasing?
1. Japanese Work Culture
2. Japanese Childcare Culture
3. Virginity and “Herbivore Men”
The Downward Spiral
What Has Japan's Government Done?
1. Subsidies for children
2. Free Preschool And Childcare Leave
3. Money For Fertility Treatments
4. Government-sponsored Dating
Why is Birth Rate Still Decreasing Despite Efforts?
1. Too little too late
2. Culture Is Deep, Policy Is Shallow

Content: The resulting decrease in productivity can be seen in GDP. Japan has essentially been in a recession since the 90s, and the economy has been contracting. The government has been having to take out debt—in part to fund these social programs that care for the elderly—and this debt further increases the burden on the young working population. The labor force is also severely affected. In Japan, there are 125 open jobs for every 100 job seekers. That might sound great if you're looking for a job, but when it comes to essential industries, it's a major problem. The average Japanese farmer is 70, and only 10% of construction workers are under 30. It's easy to see why in just a few years, this could threaten the food and housing supply. What's Causing This Decline? Like we pointed out, population decline isn’t just a problem for Japan.