The Daily A Shrinking Society in Japan
May 5, 2021
Motoko Rich, the Tokyo bureau chief for The New York Times, dives into Japan's alarming demographic crisis. With 30% of the population over 65, she highlights the unique cultural response, including villages filled with life-sized dolls symbolizing lost residents. The discussion also touches on the rise of solo women embracing independence, shifting family dynamics, and innovative governmental initiatives aimed at reversing the birthrate decline. Rich provides a poignant look at the societal implications of aging and shrinking populations, both in Japan and globally.
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Nagoro, the Town of Dolls
- Motoko Rich visited Nagoro, a remote Japanese town populated mainly by life-sized dolls.
- These dolls represent the dwindling population, a poignant symbol of Japan's aging demographic.
Japan's Demographic Shift
- Japan's shrinking population is linked to its post-war economic boom and subsequent stagnation.
- The intense work culture, initially beneficial, discouraged family life as job security declined.
Unequal Burden of Parenting
- Kazuko Yoshida, a working mother in Japan, highlights the unequal burden on women.
- Her husband couldn't take their children to daycare alone, showcasing the cultural expectation of women handling childcare.