IB Geography at YIS

Policy 3: Japan's Pro-Natalist Policies

Policy 3: Pro Natalist Policy - Japan

Individually or in groups research at least two initiatives undertaken by the Japanese government to increase fertility

Make sure to have specific initiatives taken by the Japanese government to increase fertility
Evaluate the success of each initiative
Describe the consequences (real and implied) of each policy on Japan and its people
As always, complete your 4P study notes, with a special focus on the policies, the power balance these involve (people, government, women, children, etc) and the possibilities they entail for Japan and it's people.

First, understand the issue by reading one of these articles:

AP - Japan’s birth rate fell for a ninth consecutive year in 2024 to hit a record low
Guardian - Japan records lowest number of births in more than a century, as population fears grow
Reuters - Japan's births fell to record low in 2024

Possible initiatives: Feel free to pick from here, or to find your own. You can, of course, look for Japanese sources.

Acceleration Plan

Prime Minister's Office initiatives

Children’s Future Strategy (“Kodomo no Mirai Strategy”)

Child Allowance Expansion

Increasing amounts paid monthly to families per child (especially for third and subsequent children)

New Dimension Measures

CSIS

Reducing or eliminating fees for higher education in certain cases

APFC

6. Four Day work week

CNN

7. Childcare / Daycare Support & Early Childhood Education

Fortune

Local Initiatives

8. Tokyo Government Dating Apps

Thred.

9. Tokyo Work Week Reform

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is introducing a 4-day workweek for its employees starting in April 2025, aiming to improve work‐life balance, reduce burdens of child-rearing, etc.
Business Insid

First 8 minutes for description of issue, last 5 minutes for very interesting solutions and evaluation

We need to talk about … Population and climate changeIn this monthly podcast, Guardian supporters ask the questions and a Guardian panel try to provide the answers. This episode focuses on whether people should be having fewer children for the sake of the planet – and if so, how that societal change might happen

What is driving Japan’s unprecedented population crash?With record-low births, rising deaths, and entrenched gender norms, Japan is struggling to address its ‘quiet emergency’

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