An amazing new statistic is being widely reported across Japan. More than 40% of people, a record high, do not feel the need to have children, even if they get married. The younger the respondents, the more likely they were not to feel the need to procreate. This mode of thinking could easily accelerate the decline in the nation’s birth rate.
The survey was conducted from October 1st-18th on 5,000 men and women aged 20 and older in the form of face to face interviews, with 64.8% responding. 68% of women in their 20′s said they did not intend to have a child even after getting married – a view also held by 61% of women in their 30′s and 56% of men in their 20′s and 30′s.
A significant change has emerged with regard to the stereotypical way that women are deemed to stay at home whilst men go out to work. 55% of respondents expressed opposition to this. And when asked whether they thought it was better for women to continue working after having a child, 46% of respondents agreed.
These findings present a real challenge for Japan, as she struggles to remain competitive with China and other Asian neighbours. How Japan will cope with a dwindling labor market and increased social welfare costs caused by older people still remains a mystery. The government needs to take firm action to provide incentives to women, including child welfare support and employment flexibility.
