Japan struggling with depopulation infographic
Graphic charts data on Japan’s shrinking population.
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Japanese families offered millions of yen to leave Tokyo

By Ninian Carter

January 3, 2023 - Japan is stepping up measures to combat rural depopulation by offering financial incentives for families to leave Tokyo.

Japan is to bolster financial support to households to move away from the capital to combat depopulation in other areas of the country.

Beginning in 2023, eligible families who reside in the Tokyo metropolitan area will be offered 1 million yen ($7,700/€7,220/£6,400) per child if they move to a disadvantaged local area – this on top of a flat fee of ¥1 million to move away.

A Japanese family consisting of two parents and two children would receive ¥3 million ($23,000/€22,720/£19,140).

Rural areas are witnessing a rapid depopulation as young people, drawn to employment opportunities in cities, leave – resulting in empty homes and dwindling tax revenues.

Japan is facing a depopulation crisis as the rate of deaths exceeds that of births. Coupled with long life expectancy, by 2040 Japan could become a super-aged society where two out of every three households supports an elderly person.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 03/01/2023; STORY: Graphic News
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