Product details

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Abstract

Japan was in the throes of an alarming population decline since the World War II and experienced a declining birth rate which had taken a worst turn with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The national population stood at 126 million by 2022. Consequently, the country's labour force had reduced while there was a looming aging population crisis. The declining birth rate was a result of economic uncertainties, long working hours, and financial burden of raising children. Japan's total fertility rate had decreased as a lesser number of women were getting married. This was particularly due to responsibilities of household management and childcare. Besides, men did not share in the domestic chores leading to unequal gender roles. Consequently, women were faced with complexities of balancing work and family life, thus reducing attraction for marriage and delay in building families. The Government offered monetary incentives through various policies, yet having children was an individual decision. However, Japan was cognizant of complications of aging population and low birth rates. An effective option was to modify the country's immigration policies which invariably went against the conventional Japanese mindset. Would Japan be able to rise above its demographic challenges to circumvent population decline?

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2023.

Geographical setting

Region:
Asia
Country:
Japan

About

Abstract

Japan was in the throes of an alarming population decline since the World War II and experienced a declining birth rate which had taken a worst turn with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The national population stood at 126 million by 2022. Consequently, the country's labour force had reduced while there was a looming aging population crisis. The declining birth rate was a result of economic uncertainties, long working hours, and financial burden of raising children. Japan's total fertility rate had decreased as a lesser number of women were getting married. This was particularly due to responsibilities of household management and childcare. Besides, men did not share in the domestic chores leading to unequal gender roles. Consequently, women were faced with complexities of balancing work and family life, thus reducing attraction for marriage and delay in building families. The Government offered monetary incentives through various policies, yet having children was an individual decision. However, Japan was cognizant of complications of aging population and low birth rates. An effective option was to modify the country's immigration policies which invariably went against the conventional Japanese mindset. Would Japan be able to rise above its demographic challenges to circumvent population decline?

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.

Settings

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2023.

Geographical setting

Region:
Asia
Country:
Japan

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