Japan's Declining Population

I am researching the causes of population decline in Japan. I think it would be beneficial to examine issues from the present and past. The three questions I used to guide my research are "How have birth and death rates affected Japan's population?", "How does high life expectancy affect Japan's population?", and "How do urbanization and work culture affect Japan's population and economy?". One major theme in my research is identifying lifestyle choices and understanding how they can lead to negative consequences. I will also discuss is how genetic factors contributed to the population decline in Japan. I believe these themes can overlap.

I chose to focus on this topic in Geology 106 because Japan is a country in the Global North that has faced hardship from disasters and policies. Secondly, I chose to focus on this topic because it will show how protecting our values can cause us to become more vulnerable.

Coming of Age Ceremony

Shibuya Crossing

Living and Working in Japan

Why is urbanization occurring in Japan?

Tokyo's skyline

Tokyo’s Urban Development, Successes & Challenges by Martin Smith describes the history of the world's most populated city and how it has affected the urbanization of Japan as a whole. Martin Smith wants readers to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of Tokyo's urbanization. Martin Smith also wants readers to know how historical events have impacted urbanization in Japan. Tokyo’s Urban Development, Successes & Challenges contributes to my research because it explains the causes of urbanization in Japan. I believe this article by Martin Smith is helpful because he states how Japan's urbanization impacted economies around the world and its own. I learned that Tokyo's urbanization was caused by food production and connecting roadways.

What is work culture like in Japan?

A subway during rush hour

How the Japanese are putting an end to extreme work weeks by Danielle Demetriou is about the reasons why Japanese people do not use their leave often. This article explains how extreme work weeks in Japan have led to unfulfillment due to not achieving one's goals, losing family time, mental disorders, and death. Danielle Demetriou wants readers to know that Japan is starting to improve its work culture by creating laws that give people incentives for taking off.

How the Japanese are putting an end to extreme work weeks contributes to my research because it explains the nature of work culture in Japan. I learned that most Japanese people do not like taking off of work because they are afraid of being talked about by their boss and believe it could ruin their social status. Japanese people believe that taking off of work can lead to repercussions in the workplace.

How does urbanization affect Japan?

Crowded Restaurant in Osaka

Solutions to Urban Problems of Tokyo That Will Impact the Future of Our Planet by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government discusses how urbanization has caused overcrowding. As a result, it is difficult for citizens to find housing and avoid air pollution. This can quicken the spread of infectious diseases as well.

This article contributes to my research because it explains the harmful effects of urbanization in Japan. I learned that it causes sustainability issues by reducing the amount of green spaces in the city. Professor Shin Aiba implies that restoring green spaces would be expensive.

Elderly people sitting and socializing

Growing Older in Japan

Why are people living longer in Japan?

Infographic about longevity

Genetic determinants of exceptional human longevity by D. Craig Wilcox is about how genetic variation influences the life span of Okinawans. This decreases their risk of dying from diseases as they get older. The authors explain that their traditional diets support their longevity.

This article contributes to my research because it explains the reasons behind the Japanese's longevity and how it has changed over the course of time. I learned that lifestyle practices have also impacted centenarians in Japan. Specifically, consistent exercise and moderate alcohol consumption have improved their longevity.

How does high life expectancy affect Japan's population and economy?

How Does Japan's Aging Society Affect Its Economy by Simran Walia describes that the aging population is hurting the economy because there are labor shortages being caused by a lack of young workers. Japan believes they can alleviate this problem by hiring foreign workers. The author mentions that taking care of the aging population in Japan will be difficult due to inflation.

This article contributes to my research because it shows how the aging population affects the country's economy and overall population through spending, gross domestic product, and the healthcare system. I learned that the Japanese government wants to lower medical expenses and make people over 65 years old to continue to work. The Japanese government wants revive their economy by increasing fertility rates.

Interpretation and Conclusion

I have learned that Japan's declining population is affected by lifestyle choices such as work schedules, diets, and sustainability issues caused by urbanization. I have also learned that Japan is trying to address this issue by increasing fertility rates.

The information I have learned demonstrates that people can improve their health, economy, and support population growth by practicing sustainability. Consequently, the country can avoid other problems such as housing and labor shortages.

In conclusion, I can say that the Global North is not excluded from experiencing poverty, overcrowding, and a lack of resources. I think that labels such as "the Global North" hides the challenges that wealthy countries face.

Coming of Age Ceremony

Shibuya Crossing

Tokyo's skyline

A subway during rush hour

Crowded Restaurant in Osaka

Elderly people sitting and socializing

Infographic about longevity