Governors urge central government to address Japan's shrinking population

Japan Times

24-07-2025

Prefectural governors urged the central government on Wednesday to give top priority to measures against escalating population decline.
The National Governors' Association called on the government to launch a national campaign involving private companies to promote comprehensive measures for addressing the shrinking population.
In a set of proposals compiled on the first day of the association's two-day meeting in Aomori Prefecture, the governors called for the establishment of a government agency-level control tower to coordinate related policies.
The association also called on the government to promote multicultural coexistence, regarding policy measures to deal with foreign nationals.
In the proposals to deal with the population issue, the association underlined the need to create an environment in which it is easy to work and raise children, taking into account the opinions of women and young people.
The governors also called on the government to promote the decentralization of companies and universities through tax reforms and other measures.
The association confirmed its policy of considering marriage support measures by involving the business community.
Regarding measures relating to foreign nationals, Shizuoka Gov. Yasutomo Suzuki said, "The central government only sees foreigners as a labor force, but local governments are accepting them as residents."
In the proposals, the association urged the government to be accountable on improving the related environment, including education on accepting foreign nationals.
Governors from across the country gather for a two-day meeting through Thursday in the city of Aomori. |
Jiji
Regarding this week's Japan-U.S. tariff agreement, Toyama Gov. Hachiro Nitta said: "I believe there would be a certain impact, but the central and local governments need to work together on challenges including an expansion of export destinations."
Amid political uncertainty in the wake of Sunday's House of Councilors election, Yoshihiro Murai, head of the association and governor of Miyagi Prefecture, said at the beginning of the meeting, "We must unite and work together to overcome this difficult situation."
Governors expressed worry over possible declines in their prefectures' tax revenues following a strong showing in the election by the opposition parties, which had called for various tax cuts.
Regarding a possible consumption tax cut, Miyazaki Gov. Shunji Kono urged the central government to thoroughly consider the impact on regional economies. "We urge (the central government) to engage in comprehensive and responsible discussions over the effect (of a consumption tax cut) on regional economies, which may put a financial burden on future generations," Kono said.
Seiichiro Murakami, the internal affairs minister who participated in the governors' meeting online, said the central government considers it inappropriate to cut the consumption tax.
However, given that the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito lacks a majority in both chambers of parliament, governors called on both the ruling and opposition parties to engage in discussions to secure financial resources for regional economies.