Japan's population is aging faster than that of any other country in the world. The unprecedented increase in retirees relative to the size of Japan's work force will force radical change if the nation is to avoid a fiscal crisis, or worse. These seemingly innocent demographic changes will force Japan to shrink its famously high savings rate, reverse its proud trade surplus, send more industry overseas, liberalize its tightly controlled markets, and take on a more active, high-profile foreign policy.
Japan's demographic problem has its roots in decreasing birth rates and longer lifespans. The former have begun to starve the country for young workers to replace those retiring, while the latter ensure that a growing population of retired citizens will be dependent on a diminishing working population. Although every industrialized country faces this problem, Japan's situation is by far the worst, not least because Japan has no hope of an influx of youthful immigrants to mitigate the problem. According to Japan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, in less than five years the country's demographic trends will give it a population profile like Florida in the USA. By 2015, one in four Japanese citizens will be 65 or older. In about 2010, according to official projections, Japan will have fewer than half the workers per retiree it has today, a mere 2.5 people of working age for every pensioner. And since not all of working age choose to work or can find employment, it is likely that in the early 21st century Japan will have fewer than two people at work for every retiree.
Someone told me today that another reason why the UK want older people working is that their salaries are higher, therefore the government can cream off more tax. Young workers have lower wages. Another interesting theory. Great candid shot, he looks very pensive.
A kind of bittersweet capture, Brian. Can't believe that a bird would come that close ... really wonderful candid. The facts are a bit startling, but it seems to be happening in alot of places right now. Working beyond 65 might be an answer plus other changes. Yes, it is becoming a crisis.
Great candid shot, and what a bold little bird!
Coupled with your informative and interesting caption, it's also very thought-provoking. Very nicely done.
Have not had much time these days....hope you are having a good time in Japan!.....not really sure why you are there...guess I have to look back in time :)
Interesting info, Brian. That man looks bored even with that sparrow on his knee. The same thing is happening everywhere, I think - at least it is over here. Love this candid capture.
Such a tender moment captured here, ageing populations in some parts of the world and startlingly young ones in other countries, interesting times ahead.
Great candid Portrait. Amazed how friendly the bird is. I have learned alot about Japan in the last couple of weeks through your commentaries. Thank you for sharing and opening up the world to the rest of us.
Wow, no pressure there. I have a co-worker who just retired and is Japanese. They've decided to stay in the US, maybe for this reason and also because his retirement is here.
Reading your interesting comments leave me with a worrying frown on my face, whereas your photo can only leave someone smiling broadly at the sight of that little bird boldly perched on the man's knee!
posted August 27th, 2012
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Coupled with your informative and interesting caption, it's also very thought-provoking. Very nicely done.
Love the bird here - so tame.