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31-07-2025
- Politics
Japan's Foreign Population Could Top 10 Pct in 2040: Justice Min.
News from Japan Politics Jul 30, 2025 21:50 (JST) Tokyo, July 30 (Jiji Press)--The proportion of foreign residents in Japan could surpass 10 pct of the population as early as 2040, Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki said Wednesday. The 10 pct share nearly matches those in many European and North American countries. An experts' group hosted by Suzuki is set to release an estimate of the future foreign population in Japan soon. A 2023 estimate from the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research projected that Japan's foreign population would exceed 10 pct in the 2070s. Speaking at a press conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, Suzuki said that the number of foreign residents would top 10 million and exceed 10 pct in 2045 if the number of foreigners continues to increase by over 350,000 per year, the pace recorded last year. Taking into account Japan's population decline, the 10 pct mark could be reached in 2040, he added. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
29-07-2025
- Business
Japan Social Security Benefits Down for 2nd Straight Yr
News from Japan Society Jul 29, 2025 17:50 (JST) Tokyo, July 29 (Jiji Press)--Social security benefits in Japan in fiscal 2023 fell for the second straight year, a welfare ministry think tank said Tuesday. Benefits were down by 2,680.9 billion yen, or 1.9 pct, from the previous year to 135,492.8 billion yen, according to the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research. The drop reflected a steep reduction of COVID-19-related benefits and subsidies after the government lowered the classification of COVID-19 under the infectious disease law to Category V, the same as for seasonal influenza, in May 2023. Despite the decline, benefits stood at the third-highest level on record due to the aging of the country's population. Pensions accounted for the largest portion of the total benefits, rising 1.1 pct to 56,393.6 billion yen. Medical benefits fell 6.5 pct to 45,579.9 billion yen, as COVID-19-related expenditures decreased despite a rise in public health insurance benefits. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Japan Forward
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
The Foreign Talent Basic Law: Proposal from a Former Police Chief
このページを 日本語 で読む In 2018, the year I returned to Japan after a long assignment as a Moscow correspondent, what surprised me most was the noticeable increase in the number of foreigners. Statistical data confirms this trend. At the end of 2021, Japan had approximately 2.76 million foreign residents. That number has since grown by more than 300,000 per year, reaching around 3.77 million by the end of 2024. Foreigners now make up about 3% of the total population. In 2023, the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research projected that foreigners will account for 10.8% of Japan's population by 2070. Given the recent pace of growth, some experts believe this figure could be reached even earlier. A foreign population above 10% would bring Japan in line with many Western countries. In response to this trend, the Outlook Foundation, chaired by former National Police Agency Commissioner General Takaji Kunimatsu, is advocating for the creation of a Basic Law to guide the acceptance of foreign talent. In June, Kunimatsu and other members held a press conference at the Japan National Press Club to outline their proposals. Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau in Minato Ward, Tokyo. (©Kyodo) Their concern is clear: while the inflow of foreigners is increasingly seen as a solution to Japan's shrinking population and labor shortages, there are very few venues where the issue is discussed in an integrated, strategic way. Talks about population decline and regional revitalization often barely mention the role of foreign workers. Meanwhile, discussions about immigration tend to focus on social tensions or how foreigners are treated. Kunimatsu and his colleagues argue that these issues must be addressed more comprehensively. They believe Japan needs a Basic Law to manage foreign labor strategically and responsibly. Under their proposal, the Basic Law would define foreign talent as "individuals who will enrich local communities and Japan as a whole." Integration into Japan's economy, society, and culture would be a core principle. The proposed framework would work as follows: Local governments would develop plans outlining the desired skill levels, nationalities, length of stay, and number of foreign workers. The central government would then review and adjust these plans based on national security and economic considerations. Local governments would be responsible for supporting and managing the workers once they arrive. The proposal also calls for the Basic Law to emphasize the "security and safety of Japanese society." It suggests introducing a new residence status, tentatively named "Regional Revitalization." Naturally, the plan raises questions. Should Japan rely more on labor-saving technologies instead of foreign workers to address population and labor shortages? Do local governments have the capacity to manage such responsibilities? Should the police play a more active role in maintaining public safety? Despite these concerns, I believe the proposal is meaningful because it invites serious debate. What's essential is not whether to accept foreigners, but how to manage the process effectively. If large numbers of foreigners arrive suddenly, it could create friction with local communities and, over time, greatly alter Japan's national identity. The worst-case scenario is an uncontrolled, unplanned influx without strategy or guiding principles. We must avoid repeating the situation in places like Kawaguchi City in Saitama Prefecture, where tensions have flared between Kurdish immigrants and local residents. Nor should Japan follow the path of some Western countries that are seeing intense backlash against immigration. There is no time to lose. Japan must begin a serious, nationwide debate on immigration policy — before the situation outpaces its ability to manage it. Author: Ryosuke Endo , The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Fukushima looks to local initiatives to combat population decline
As the number of children continues to fall, Fukushima Prefecture is set to launch a public-private partnership initiative in the current fiscal year involving young professionals from businesses, organizations and financial institutions to identify challenges faced in the prefecture and in each region. The goal is to share a sense of crisis between the public and private sectors and mitigate the outflow of young people, especially women, which has been a major factor behind population decline and the falling birth rate. According to the health and welfare ministry, the number of babies born in Japan in 2024 was 686,061 — a figure below the 700,000 threshold that came 15 years earlier than projected by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research. In Fukushima Prefecture, the number of births declined for the ninth consecutive year to 8,216, and the total fertility rate fell to a record-low 1.15, one of the lowest in the country. Although marriage numbers have shown signs of recovery nationwide, they are still falling in Fukushima. The prefecture is looking into unique local initiatives elsewhere for clues to ease the pace and impact of the declining birth rate to build sustainable communities in the future. Toyooka's example The city of Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, is one example that has garnered national attention in advancing a public-private partnership for the past eight years to tackle depopulation. The city is taking measures to alleviate gender gaps in various aspects of society, which are said to have led to an exodus of young women. Although Toyooka is the central city of the Tajima region in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture, its population has declined by over 10,000 from about 90,000 in 2005 when six municipalities merged to form the present-day city of Toyooka. The city began taking steps after its original indicator, called the 'youth-return rate,' showed an acute outflow of young women. The rate compares the number of those in their teens who left the city for education to those who returned for work in their 20s. Between 2010 and 2015, 52.2% of young men returned, while only 26.7% of young women did. In 2018, then-Mayor Muneharu Nakagai launched an initiative to improve the workplace environment, as he was concerned that the male-centric society may have been behind the stark difference in the youth-return rate. The first step Nakagai took was establishing a public-private council to recruit companies committed to creating workplaces that are inclusive and rewarding to workers regardless of gender. Sixteen businesses joined the initiative at the outset. Shinji Okamoto, chairman of the Toyooka Chamber of Commerce and Industry who headed the council, recalled thinking that businesses couldn't be blamed for population decline. However, after attending the council's lectures and meetings, his perspective changed. Okamoto runs Toho Seiko, a precision spring manufacturer, in Toyooka. He admits he hadn't previously paid attention to the gender gap in his company. But in reviewing the tasks of his 120 employees, he realized there were stereotypical gender divisions in their roles and pay, such as men using machines to manufacture products while women handled weighing and inspections. In the course of a series of reforms, the company saw its first male employee take child care leave. It also ended the practice of women serving tea in the office and sent female employees to city-run career development courses. In 2022, the company revised its evaluation system to make it more fair for all employees. In 2023, four female employees passed the national exam for certified spring manufacturing technicians — a first for the company — with other women joining the ranks in the following years. Nakata Kogei, a wooden-hanger maker in Toyooka, is another company that joined the council's initiative from the outset. President Shuhei Nakata, 46, said the initiative resonated with his thinking. After his second child was born, he took a month of child care leave in 2019 and introduced formal 'parental leave' at the company. Nakata revised the company's work evaluation system and made a strict policy against workplace harassment. Along with efforts to make value-added products, these workplace improvements began to attract women to the company, even those with no ties to Toyooka. The company now has 65 employees, and women account for nearly 40%, up from around 10% before. Female employees are active in various roles, including in overseas sales, utilizing their language skills. An association of heads of local districts in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, holds a meeting to discuss issues related to the gender gap in society. | Fukushima Minpo 'We offer equal opportunities for all employees based on their ability and willingness, regardless of gender,' Nakata said. The council has grown to 124 member organizations, ranging from manufacturing and construction to retail businesses, which are mostly small and medium-size companies. Their collective efforts are making steady progress to overturn a common assumption that rural areas lack workplaces that leverage women's skills and experiences. Raising awareness In March 2021, the Toyooka municipal government also drafted a 'gender gap elimination strategy,' advocating for systems and customs rooted in traditional gender roles to be overhauled. The city has been reaching out to community organizations, schools and families to raise awareness in every corner of society. The strategy targets unconscious bias and rigid gender roles in household and community activities, officials say. In outreach programs, awareness-raising training and workshops are held for heads of local administrative districts and community leaders. On the education front, sessions are offered for nursery and kindergarten staff members, school teachers and administrators, as well as junior high school student councils. The city also distributes original picture books featuring storks to schools and kindergartens as early-learning materials about gender and diversity. Such measures are beginning to yield results, albeit small ones. At a meeting of an association of district heads, one district shared a conversation about gender roles in a local danjiri fall festival. Women, who are traditionally assigned to host rest areas for male mikoshi (portable shrine) carriers, asked that their roles be streamlined. The district leader reported plans to rethink the festival operations, saying, 'We want to create a community where children who grow up here will want to stay in the future.' In response to the city's call, the district also reviewed its disaster response system. Out of the five disaster-prevention committee members, two seats were allocated to women who had previously been assigned to supporting roles such as preparing food. 'No quick fix' Efforts to alleviate gender gaps as part of regional population strategies are spreading to other areas, including Nanto in Toyama Prefecture and Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture. The government's 2025 white paper on gender equality, approved at a Cabinet meeting on June 13, also emphasized the need to eliminate biased views on traditional gender roles in rural areas as part of efforts to rectify an overconcentration of people in Tokyo. Still, even Toyooka has yet to halt its population and birth rate declines. Officials say it takes time to create a society where men and women support each other to make childbirth and parenting easier. Kiyomi Harada, head of the city's diversity and gender gap division, stressed the importance of continuous efforts. 'As a government, we aim to offer opportunities for dialogue while raising awareness.' Okamoto, the head of Toyooka's public-private council, said he takes on many leadership roles in local communities out of a belief that 'businesses only work when people live there.' He noted that both Toyooka and places like Fukushima, where he makes frequent business trips, face challenges in battling population declines. 'There's no quick fix for the declining birth rate,' Okamoto said, adding that each member of the community should face the issue from their own perspective. 'Things will not change without involvement from a wide range of people, including from businesses.' This section features topics and issues covered by the Fukushima Minpo, the prefecture's largest newspaper. The original articles were published June 15 and June 16.
Tokyo Weekender
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
Japanese Births Fall Below 700,000 for the First Time
This week's news roundup is dominated by baby-related stories. We report on the latest figures concerning Japanese births as they continue to decline at an alarming rate. Mako Komuro , the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Akiko, welcomes her first child. And Ayumi Hamasaki denies rumors that Elon Musk fathered her children. Also this week, two Japanese men are killed in China over a business dispute . A Japanese Kick streamer is arrested for wearing women's underwear on his head. And we pay our respects to the former Yomiuri Giants legend Shigeo Nagashima , who passed away on Tuesday. List of Contents: Japanese Births Fall for the Ninth Consecutive Year Two Japanese Men Killed in China Over Business Dispute Former Japanese Princess Mako Welcomes First Child Elon Musk Reportedly Fathered Child With Japanese Pop Star, Ayumi Hamasaki Says It's Not Her Japanese Streamer Arrested for Wearing Women's Underwear on His Head Japan's 'Mr. Professional Baseball' Shigeo Nagashima Dies at 89 Related Posts Japanese Births Fall for the Ninth Consecutive Year For the first time in recorded history, the number of Japanese births fell below 700,000 in 2024. According to the health ministry's data, released on Wednesday, just 686,061 Japanese babies were born here last year. That's 44,227 fewer than in 2023, marking the ninth consecutive year of decline. The figures exclude foreign nationals born in Japan and Japanese nationals born overseas. The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research predicted that births wouldn't dip below 690,000 until 2039. Its forecast for 2024 was 755,000. There was also a drop in the total fertility rate — the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime based on current birth rates — which fell to a record low of 1.15, down by 0.05 from the previous year. Dalian city in Liaoning province Two Japanese Men Killed in China Over Business Dispute On Tuesday, Dalian police confirmed that a 42-year-old male suspect of Chinese nationality was arrested on suspicion of murder following the deaths of two Japanese men on May 23. The suspect, Yuan Chenggong, and the two victims were allegedly business partners in Japan who had been visiting Dalian. It is believed that the incident was triggered by a business conflict. Yuan was detained on May 24. On Thursday, Hong Kong's Sing Tao daily reported that Yuan believed he'd been deceived by the victims over the purchase of a hot spring hotel near Mount Fuji. The newspaper cited information posted on China's WeChat platform by a mainland Chinese journalist. According to the publication, the Chinese man acquired Fuji Sansuikan Hotel by Lake Kawaguchi. He also founded a real estate company in Tokyo in 2021. Former Japanese Princess Mako Welcomes First Child The Imperial Household Agency recently confirmed that Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Akiko, has given birth to her first child. In May, the online news outlet Josei Seven Plus posted a picture of Mako and her husband, Kei Komuro, pushing a stroller in a suburb of Manhattan. The agency, therefore, felt it was time to make a statement. 'This is a matter for a person who has left the Imperial Family, and we had hoped that she would spend her time in a quiet environment,' said Grand Master Naomasa Yoshida. 'We decided to make the announcement, however, in light of some media reports.' Mako lost her royal status in 2021 following her marriage to Komuro. Her brother, Prince Hisahito, is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Elon Musk Reportedly Fathered Child With Japanese Pop Star, Ayumi Hamasaki Says It's Not Her In an interview with The New York Times that was published last Friday, Ashley St. Clair, a conservative influencer who announced that she gave birth to Elon Musk's 14th child in February, claimed that the world's richest man has also fathered a baby with a Japanese pop star. Unsurprisingly, this sparked an online frenzy of speculation, with many suggesting Ayumi Hamasaki as the potential mother. On Monday, Japan's 'Empress of Pop' quashed that rumor. 'I've been keeping an eye on this, and I guess it's time for me to speak up. Elon Musk is not the father of [either of] my children,' she wrote on her Instagram story. The singer added that she could understand why people thought it was her as it was the 'sort of thing' she would do. Japanese Streamer Arrested for Wearing Women's Underwear on His Head A Japanese Kick streamer who goes by the name of Zokkunzokkun was arrested on Monday on suspicion of violating the prefectural nuisance prevention ordinance. His crime: running around a residential estate in Chiba Prefecture while wearing women's underwear on his head. One woman reported his behavior as 'scary and shocking.' The incident occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. on May 19 in Ishikawa city. Looking like the lead character from the Kyūkyoku!! Hentai Kamen comedy manga series, Zokkunzokkun live streamed himself wandering the streets with pink panties on his face that covered his nose and mouth. He was also wearing a white gym uniform and red bloomers. The Kick streamer told officers he wanted to stir things up and increase the number of viewers on his site. Japan's 'Mr. Professional Baseball' Shigeo Nagashima Dies at 89 Former Yomiuri Giants legend Shigeo Nagashima passed away on Tuesday morning due to pneumonia. He was 89. One of the most popular Japanese players in the history of the sport, he was referred to as 'Mr. Professional Baseball' and 'Mr. Giants' in this country. Former Giants player Hideki Matsui flew back to Japan from the United States on Wednesday to offer his condolences at his former manager's home. 'The biggest thing is gratitude,' he said . 'Without getting to meet him, baseball player Hideki Matsui would have spent a totally different baseball career.' During his 17-year career, Nagashima won the Central League batting title six times and was the home run king twice. He was also named the Central League's MVP five times. Along with his teammate, Sadaharu Oh, he was a superstar who transcended the sport. 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