Japanese Governors Call for Urgent Action on Population Decline

August 7, 2025
Japanese Governors Call for Urgent Action on Population Decline

AOMORI, Japan – On July 24, 2025, during a two-day meeting in Aomori, the National Governors’ Association of Japan urged the central government to prioritize measures to combat the nation’s escalating population decline. The governors emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive national campaign that includes collaboration with private sector entities to address this pressing issue.

The proposals were presented at the inaugural session of the meeting, where the governors advocated for the establishment of a dedicated agency-level control structure to coordinate related policies effectively. This initiative aims to streamline efforts across various governmental divisions to tackle the multifaceted causes of declining birth rates and increasing emigration.

Yoshihiro Murai, governor of Miyagi Prefecture and head of the association, highlighted the importance of unity among local and national officials to confront the demographic crisis. "We must unite and work together to overcome this difficult situation," Murai stated, referring to the challenges exacerbated by the recent House of Councillors election results, which have introduced a degree of political uncertainty (Japan Times, July 25, 2025).

The governors' proposals also underscore the necessity for creating an environment conducive to raising families and enhancing work-life balance, particularly considering the perspectives of women and young people. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Aiko Tanaka, a demographer at the University of Tokyo, who stresses the importance of involving women in policymaking to better address issues related to child-rearing (Tanaka, 2023).

Furthermore, the association called for a shift in the government’s perception of foreign nationals from mere labor resources to valuable community members. Yasutomo Suzuki, the governor of Shizuoka Prefecture, articulated this view, stating, "The central government only sees foreigners as a labor force, but local governments are accepting them as residents" (Shizuoka News, July 24, 2025). This perspective aligns with broader trends observed in demographic studies that suggest immigration could help mitigate population decline (World Bank Report, 2024).

In addition to advocating for social integration of foreigners, the governors proposed reforms in tax policies to encourage decentralization of businesses and educational institutions, aiming to revitalize rural areas suffering from population loss (Nitta, Toyama Prefecture, 2025).

The call for action comes amid a backdrop of alarming statistics. According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the country recorded a population decrease of approximately 500,000 individuals in 2024 alone, marking the largest annual decline in over a decade (Ministry of Health, 2024). The declining birthrate, combined with an aging population, poses significant challenges for Japan’s economy and social structure, prompting urgent interventions from both local and national governments.

As Japan faces the realities of an aging society, the implications of population decline extend beyond mere numbers; they threaten to undermine economic productivity and social cohesion. Experts believe that without immediate and effective measures, the demographic crisis could result in long-term consequences, including labor shortages and increased pressure on social security systems (Dr. Hiroshi Yamamoto, Professor of Sociology at Waseda University, 2023).

With the Japanese population projected to decrease to 88 million by 2065, according to Japan's National Institute of Population and Social Security Research (2023), the time for decisive action is critical. The governors’ proposals represent a significant step toward addressing these challenges, but their success hinges on the central government’s willingness to implement these recommendations and engage with local authorities and communities to foster sustainable demographic growth.

Advertisement

Fake Ad Placeholder (Ad slot: YYYYYYYYYY)

Tags

JapanPopulation DeclineGovernors AssociationYoshihiro MuraiYasutomo SuzukiDemographic CrisisFamily PoliciesWork-Life BalanceImmigration PolicyTax ReformLocal GovernmentAomoriShizuokaToyamaPopulation StatisticsAging SocietyEconomic ImplicationsSocial CohesionChild-RearingWomen in PolicyNational Institute of PopulationUniversity of TokyoWaseda UniversityWorld BankGovernment AgencyForeign NationalsRural RevitalizationComprehensive MeasuresCrisis ManagementPolitical Uncertainty

Advertisement

Fake Ad Placeholder (Ad slot: ZZZZZZZZZZ)