birth rate
Tells people with few children to put their hands over their hearts and regret their actions.
Study shows fewer Japanese living in each and every prefecture, opposite for foreign resident number.
Increase to Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant is latest proposed plan to boost birth rate.
On average, parents in Prefecture #1 are paying around five times more to send kids to school than parents in Prefecture #47.
Wants to help people find spouses who don’t meet their preferences for age, income, or education.
Childbirth rates in Japan may be low, but couples are getting started earlier than before.
Panel says a reevaluation of how much housework and childcare Japanese men should do is necessary for reversing the country’s aging, shrinking population trend.
Japan has a big problem with little babies, but what do the Japanese people think about it?
With one of the lowest birth rates in the world, activists in Singapore are using clever advertising campaigns and humor to try to trigger a baby boom.
It’s no secret that Japan’s elderly population is on the rise while the younger population is on decline. Though everyone from the government to economists is trying to figure out what the ramifications of such a top-heavy population will be, Japan is already feeling some of the consequences.
No place is this more apparent than in Japan’s northern prefecture of Aomori. What was once a thriving area a few decades ago is now by all accounts a snowy ghost town.
The most recent event to highlight just how bad things have become is Aomori City practically give away prime real estate. Why has this happened and just how bad are things in Aomori? Read on to find out!
As you may have heard, the Japanese population has taken a turn for the older…and the smaller. In fact, it has even topped a list of five countries facing “extinction” according to Sputnik Japan. The statistics have got a lot of people talking online, and we’re here to share all the tongue-wagging with you!



















Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
Udon pudding is about to shake up the noodle scene in Japan
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan announces plans for twenty-fold increase in permanent residency fees, alongside higher visa costs
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
Udon pudding is about to shake up the noodle scene in Japan
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan announces plans for twenty-fold increase in permanent residency fees, alongside higher visa costs
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Sanrio collaborates with Sesame Street for adorable merch and sweets in Japan[Photos]
Taco Spaghetti appears in Japan, and our taco fan rushes to try it[Taste test]