Japanese demographic time bomb may be defused by imass immigration

Japan, long one of the hardest countries in the world to enter permanently, is said to be considering immigration as the solution to its demographic time bomb and low birth rate.

Mass immigration has been considered anathema by the Japanese for over 100 years, but as its population grows older and population numbers decline, it’s having to come face to face with reality. Official figures show that, in 2013, the decline totalled 244,000 people, with already low birth rates still on a steady decline.

The Japanese population is at present comprises 22 per cent of its citizens over the age of 65, and the frightening number is expected to grow to 40 per cent by 2060 whilst the total population count falls to 87 million from its present 127 million. This week, the government was unable to deny media reports that immigration is being considered as a solution.

Japanese media are suggesting that a figure of around 200,000 foreign immigrants each year has been mooted, and last month a government advisory body reported that exactly that number would stabilise the country’s population at around 100 million. The catch is that, to achieve the target, the low birth rate would need to be raised by at least a third.

Experts consider that the only way to improve the birth rate is to reconstruct Japan’s social architecture by making it easier for mothers to work. Empowering Women advocate Kathy Matsui agrees, saying studies show that workplaces with a higher proportion of female employees also demonstrate higher birth rates, adding that a lack of support and childcare provision for mothers is keeping the birth rate low and holding back the country.