Classes at the forest kindergarten Marutanbo in Tottori Prefecture, Japan. Photo courtesy of Marutanbo.
As Corona 19 spreads, it is analyzed that Japan’s low birth rate is accelerating even more. The collapse of ‘800,000 births’ could be 12 years earlier than expected as fewer people are trying to give birth due to anxiety and economic problems caused by Corona 19. Citing data from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of births from January to October this year was 73,3907, a decrease of about 17,000 from a year ago, reported on the 27th. If this is the case, the number of births this year is expected to show a record low since last year (86,5239). The number of marriages was also 424,000 from January to October this year, down 65,000 from last year. Japan Research Institute, Japan’s leading think tank, recently announced an estimate that the number of births in Japan will be less than 800,000 next year as marriages and pregnancy decline due to the recent spread of Corona 19. When estimating the population in the future, the Japanese government predicted that the number of births would fall below 800,000 by 2033. According to the analysis of the research institute, it would be 12 years earlier. Takumi Fujinami, chief researcher at the Japan Research Institute, said in an interview with the newspaper, “The number of births has decreased because the younger generation is economically unstable.” . Takuya Hoshino, economist at Daiichi Life Insurance Research Institute, said, “The number of marriages may decrease further as exchanges decrease due to telecommuting and online classes,” he said. Some point out that as the rate of low birthrate is accelerating, the design of social security systems such as pensions and medical care should also be reviewed. Currently, two people aged 15 to 64 are caring for an elderly person aged 65 or older. As the low birth rate is accelerating, it is necessary to support society with fewer personnel. Researcher Fujinami said, “There is a possibility that it will be difficult to maintain social security due to the low birth rate.” “If the population decline proceeds slowly, there is a problem that can be responded. By Kim So-yeon, staff reporter [email protected]