Why Japan’s Population Is Still Declining - Japanese interview

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[@takashiifromjapan]

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[@YTDani943]

Hi

[@ethikzmedia]

they make everyone work 50-60 hour weeks, its so expensive, how can you raise a family?

[@ericyoung7930]

Not true to majority. At the end of the day, It’s really just a matter of if you have the right partner and if they want kids or not.

[@stxfdt1240]

@@ericyoung7930 no

[@Frankthetank302]

That's most of America for you to

[@EnTiempo824]

Sounds like Los Angeles lmao

[@LeaOyarzunIsObsessedWithMe]

How is Japan’s work life balance?

[@VarsVerum]

The elder gentleman who lived in US and Germany for a good while shows how important being exposed to different cultures is when having an open mind. Classy おじいさん。

[@shonenjuri]

Well said. I like people that are willing to experience other cultures, and are open-minded. If there were more people like him, things would be different not just in Japan, but around the world too.

[@FridgeRaider69]

Omg ur here y no one plays duck hunt when lmao

[@captainvanisher988]

The old guy's points were not on point and it seemed like he didn't know that Germany and even US are facing the same problems (more so Germany). Germany has some of the lowest birth rates in Europe even after allowing millions in mass immigration inside their country and the US is only staying afloat because of continuous mass immigration (illegal or not) and there are still a few strong religious communities where they have big families. But even the Us is under the replacement rate and that says a lot.

[@mossad_agent946]

@@shonenjuriLeading to what end result exactly? Should the japanese vanish as well?

[@coolbrotherf127]

Hello Vars 👋

[@williamgregory1848]

The feeling I’m getting from this video is “I want kids, but it’s become raising a family is expensive that it’s almost impossible to do so.”

[@samraarvin]

As a society we have more then ever before but people seem to can't afford it. What a time we live in.

[@elvis4868]

@@samraarvin because the standard of living has increased so the costs of raising a kid to have that standard of living is higher as well, sure if you only gave your kid the bare necessities it would prolly be affordable but that is def gonna make the kid resent you when they see other children living much better, the real problem is that money is accumulating to the top so the wealth and income gap is widening.

[@lll-cf7vv]

That's just an excuse. Even in shitty countries like Africa, people have children.

[@cn8299]

This is not a Japan issue, this is a world wide, mostly first world problem. You know who doesn't have this problem? 2nd and third world countries who breed uncontrollably and then expect foreign aid or illegaly immigrate to other country expecting handouts. The peoples of those nations can't afford to have children because we're all too busy taking care of some guy who has 15 wives and 30 children.

[@81722Les]

its the reality everywhere. kids cost money and as the cost to quality of life continues to escalate exponentially, the desire to have kids will shrink.

[@happy-man.]

I'm japanese I wanted to get married until I was 25 or 26 after graduating from college. However, when I got a job, I learned that it was difficult to get a raise in salary. When I realized that I could not support my wife and children with this salary, I gave up on getting married. I'm 35 years old now, but I have no intention of getting married. I enjoy being alone.

[@MadAtreides1]

I'm from Italy and here we are facing similar problems. The Italian proverb "Tutto il mondo è paese" can be translated as "The whole world is a small town": this proverb means that people, regardless of where they are from, tend to exhibit similar characteristics and I've never found this to be so much true as in these last years. The old and rich high-classes become ever richer while us, the young ones, will suffer the decline. It pains me that me and my fiance will most likely never be able to afford raising even a single child.

[@maheswarmudulu2983]

_I am from india and i have money but no one want to marry me 😂😂__

[@kennethrohen5963]

AI is going to replace you and most others very soon, so you won't even have to worry about finding a job, just a good doorway or alley to live in.

[@clausius594]

Sad 😢

[@UmarO]

If you speak english, move somewhere else

[@fluxuation87]

it's interesting how we are all facing similar issues regardless of where you are from. everything's getting expensive, wages aren't going up to help fight this, and as a result things like starting a family get pushed to the side because it's a struggle just to support yourself. Those same issues are happening in so many places around the world, I feel it here in the US.

[@ASSARAPTUS]

​@@kiwe3546lmao stop with that old ass right-wing lie. There is plenty of evidence proving that America is a corporate owned hellscape. Big businesses have been proven to constantly price gouge ppl and are seeing record profits because of it. Inflation is something these industries hide behind as an excuse for their shady business practices. But go on ahead and blame a population that has absolutely no political power nor wealth.

[@fluxuation87]

@@kiwe3546 disagree entirely. most of the jobs that immigrants are getting in the US are jobs that Americans aren't taking to begin with. The real issue is big corporations outsourcing jobs like manufacturing and tech support to other companies in foreign countries. it's not the people that immigrated here that are stealing jobs, its greedy corporations taking jobs away from the US because they can pay those in other countries less money.

[@angelgomez7081]

@@kiwe3546what farming? Landscaping? Lmao they do the work that Americans don’t want to do.

[@fluxuation87]

@@kiwe3546 and home prices are skyrocketing because of more greedy corporations buying them up as investment pieces. look up who's buying all the real estate, it's investment firms and other Americans buying them up to rent or flip for profit. regular Americans can't afford homes because of greed from fellow citizens, not because of foreigners.

[@samelmudir]

​@@kiwe3546in capitalistic theory it should even out because as immigrants enter "The West" there should be a similar flow of westerners going to Asia, Africa, etc... But these countries are not immigrant friendly. It's a one way funnel .

[@mrssirens]

The older gentleman with the glasses is so wise, he nailed each question with intelligent well thought out answers.

[@terrahwonneh]

Well he is Asian

[@zrumpz]

He spent 18 years abroad, he has a much wider world view than most people.

[@awp-erator4525]

very true Mr. Rumpz @@zrumpz

[@kostudas1]

HE KNOWS THAT GLOBALISATION IS INEVITABLE NOW THAT'S WHY 😇😇😇😇

[@winteriscomming4285]

He's parroting the western media talking points tbh, like someone who listened too much time to CCN. Its really sad to see the whole world going the Western way of decline.

[@Rainbowdragon2]

This makes me incredibly sad. I know Japan isn't all sunshine, lollipops and rainbows, but I always felt it would be a country that stood the test of time. The issue with not earning enough money to support oneself is a worldwide problem. People are having such a hard time supporting themselves that they can't even think of having children....

[@lll-cf7vv]

That's just an excuse. Even in shitty countries like Africa, people have children.

[@kabirkumar5815]

It's because of rent. And the Buy to Let loan.

[@kabirkumar5815]

And the buy to Let loan also drives up housing prices

[@GremoriaParadise]

Rich people benefit from covid the most. They have personal doctors and massive profit gain.,,

[@nicorybakov7539]

Japan eventually will learn to accept foreigners and become less racist. Overall, the world population is growing. So, decline of population of developed countries isn't a problem at all. Nothing to be sad about

[@8amfilms]

Takashii! Keep up the good work!!!!

[@Tomo-bb4cl]

I think this isn’t just an issue in Japan, but a challenge faced by many developed countries. Edit : Never expected I'd get that many comments! Thanks guys~ As a Japanese person myself, it seems to me like a lot of people here in Japan are pretty set against accepting immigrants from other countries. I get where they're coming from, but the problem is that they just say no without suggesting any alternatives...

[@murkywaters5502]

I've heard that the reason Japan is singled out for their declining population is that they don't allow immigration as a "temporary bandage", unlike countries like the US and Canada. In other words, if it weren't for immigration, countries like the US and Canada would be in a similar situation. It looks like every developed country, whether or not they allowed large-scale immigration, will face the same inevitable problem of declining population and its economic consequences in due time.

[@qwerty-cr6po]

Agree,Japan was 10 year ahead both bad and good that will happened to all fully developed country

[@captainvanisher988]

Japan's consequences will come faster than the rest of the West because it started a decade or two earlier.

[@ImGonnaFudgeThatFish]

While true, Japan's issue in isolation is much worse because of their prioritization of the elderly and the workforce culture. It is similar to South Korea's woes.

[@mandy11254]

@@ImGonnaFudgeThatFish Thankfully minimum wage and employee pay in SK is going up, and work prioritization is being focused more on young workers now. JP has been having issues with overworking, employee benefits, and pay much more than other countries do so it's in a even tighter spot, especially since there seems to be little change.

[@arvj123]

Admirable how Takashii asks questions. He gauges the vibe of the person first before asking the questions. He's like, "ah, this person thinks this way and perhaps I could lead the conversation more to this topic". Fascinating. Also chilling what the guy in the blue shirt said, "Japan will silently fade away over time".

[@laserbeamlightning]

That’s why I subscribe to this channel as opposed to other street interview channels. Dude’s actually a real journalist and keeps it light as opposed to constantly shilling something

[@goblingimp195]

When he spoke to the old guy his body language was a lot more reserved, you can tell he wants to get the most out of these interviews.

[@ryanasksaround]

exactly. I had to keep watching, he's an excellent interviewer

[@geoolympics]

Well I agree with the silent part at least, went to Japan a few months ago and they are like dead quiet on the subways and trains. Not many people shout in the US either on those but it's definitely not quiet. And they don't take calls while walking, they would go to a really quiet corner, like around a vending machine, and talk there. Noise levels are much higher in public in the US.

[@rafaelgonzalez4175]

All Countries will fade away over time. It is in the intermixing of migrants yet again. As the population grows and people migrate yet again. They begin a new mix of cultures. With the amount of people on this Planet it is very difficult to say any Nation is Whole in its citizenship. Most races have mixed race citizens already. Give it another 15 years. Most Countries will no longer be one Race.

[@zergylicious]

the 3rd interview was really great. that guy has been all over and had really good insight

[@Lyus.y-jj8bh]

视频里的老先生对日本社会的现状和存在的问题有着清晰深刻的认识，这种做法非常值得每个人学习。当多数人都意识到问题的存在时，整个社会才有进步的可能。同时也感谢博主的精彩采访，希望你的频道越来越好！🎉

[@johnnyjoestar7143]

The conversation with the older gentlemen in blue rings very true to me. In my culture it's also a norm for boys not to help out and children never see their father do anything at home but my own father broke that trend with us. I often saw him doing chores, cooking etc...and we all had a timetable of chores both girls and boys. He considered these duties as a general life skill. So I have the same opinion now that if you can't cook and clean after yourself, you are a bum

[@RSmith-qd2uk]

Yes - a man who can't look after himself or who CAN but expects other to serve him is a relic of a redundant past and is very unattractive compared to a man who steps up as a husband or father. Why would anyone with a healthy sense of self and an optimistic expectation of their life want to have kids with a bum, after all. I had a father who does the same and I see how happy my mum is that it's not something he's wanting a headpat for - he's just an adult and they are a partnership. It is normal to share workload in a family - and when men cook and clean they understand how relentless that work is so the contribution to running a home with young children is not underestimated or considered "natural". The couple is more likely to raise their children in a happy home under those circumstances.

[@beka-nz2tx]

@@RSmith-qd2uk exactly this

[@create306]

I agree. My Korean family is very conservative but saw my dad cooking and cleaning all the time. I painted the house, did the dishes, laundry, taking out the garbage, and etc... Looking back, I wish I could've helped him more because we had no mother in the house. Recently, I visited my cousin in Japan who grew up without a dad and he always helps his mom cook and clean. Proud of him.

[@ZerdsJames]

It's so funny how things are different across cultures. Cooking is seen as women's work in japanese (some american) cultures. But I'm Italian american. Italian americans have a shit ton of, for lack of a better term, toxic masculinity. But the idea that men dont belong in the kitchen is very foreign to me. You'd have to pry my dutch oven out of my lifeless hands lol

[@johnsmith-ol9qj]

⁠@@RSmith-qd2uk I would argue that was also a necessity of the time periods. Men sole existence was protection and hunting so it was more efficient to just focus on doing that all the time. If you split your training to also learn cooking and cleaning you can’t spend more time on learning tracks and the land which we take for granted these days. Women became hyper specialized in homesteading due to the fact that men were out doing that hunting thing to bring bag large game. These norms worked and gave people purpose plus we didnt have technology to even the odds. It’s just how things happened

[@akira-neir]

The third interviewer, the old man that lived abroad, was very, very analytical. I liked his opinion the most. Very on point, he basically summarized the Japanese scenario, which is shared by a lot of developed countries.

[@aceportgas42]

I just wanted to comment the same. The third man seems like a very wise person to me. If he gives you advice, you better take it

[@knight_lautrec_of_carim]

Experience is valuable I guess

[@ancientslav4863]

The two young girls are stupidly naive----

[@ancientslav4863]

They all say money, economy...yet..all of them were born and raised, many since 2000s, 125M people live there. But yes, its in decline. if I were to believe wikipedia, 2020 consensus showed 1.3M people more than 2022...weird

[@ungoyone]

​@ancientslav4863 I'm no expert on the matter but I believe folks are confusing birth rate with population. The birth rate in Japan is going down, not the total number of people. The concern is being addressed now before there is an actual decline in population.

[@herrpdurrp]

Developed economies are working to squeeze every possible working hour out of their employees, and companies are looking to squeeze every last dollar out of consumers. Everything from rent, food, cars etc is vastly more expensive now than it was even 10 years ago, but wages have not changed much. This is all done in the name of greed to maximize profits, but ultimately will lead to economic collapse when there are no more consumers to perpetuate the economy since people can't afford, or do not have the time to have kids.

[@norakat]

There is also a very real dep 0 pulation agenda.

[@supercheese7033]

It's not just greed, it's political power to keep population enslaved to their ideologies.

[@johnstuartsmith]

Yeah, but that's how developed economies got to be "developed economies." A lot of countries where the birthrate is only limited by famines, poverty-driven murders or civil wars never develop an economy that raises the standard of living for their would-be consumers. Often, 90% of the workers are agricultural workers in countries plagued with widespread starvation. Japan's highly developed economy produces way more than it's population can consume and thus has a lot of quality goods to export.

[@MangaGamify]

or wait 100 years later so the richest people in the world can only marry a few people, then distribute his wealth and decentralize the wealth of the richest people in the world. They wouldn't be 1% richest no more if they're the only people around. karma for inflation and government not helping and only lobbies the rich. Each are their own hero in their own story ~forgot the author.

[@KarlKarsnark]

Yes, this is what they WANT. They couldn't defeat Japan or the West with warfare, so they're using demographic and economic terrorism combined with state-sponsored Ethnic Cleansing rebranded in truly Orwellian terms as "Immigration".

[@iainbrown4945]

a thoughtful approach to interviewing about a difficult topic for japan people to self reflect upon well done!

[@ValkyrieTiara]

Around 5:30 something about the image of a young Japanese man interviewing an elderly Japanese man about the past and future of their country really struck me. Nice set of interviews overall, here. Also, I'm a bit late, but congrats on 1 million subs! I really liked the old man's well-considered thoughts, but everyone else has good points too. A lot of people touched on "the economy" and, honestly, I think the last two guys were closest to hitting the mark. If you work so much that you don't get to form a strong emotional bond with your spouse you're less likely to have kids (this is also a big part of why infidelity is so high), and doubly so if you're too tired to even do anything because you work long hours six days a week. And on top of that you don't have the financial stability to make it easy to have kids, so why would you take that risk? I STRONGLY believe that if companies increased wages and decreased expected working hours, the birth rate would recover on it's own. The question is whether companies will actually do that or not, or if the government will step in to regulate it. The answer to both questions is "probably not", especially under the LDP.

[@teiman]

The old man was rather nice. I was fearing some conservative views, but he was rooted in realism and pragmatism. I liked that.

[@parker469a]

@@teiman The old man wasn't a CEO of company so he's not as far gone mentally as any of those guys are. CEO's are filled with idea's about how they need to make "more money" and that their people "aren't working hard enough". The company I work for makes 50 billion in profits after everything and everybody is paid for and they still have the insane idea they aren't making enough money. Obviously, company should be profitable but they don't need to be that profitable and if they are they should be investing that return into better working conditions as well as starting side projects that can help their employees out.

[@aj-sz8mu]

Japan seems so fixated on this world power they hold. So fixated on making sure they dont lose that. Except they're causing themselves to lose that anyways as their own citizens dont want to birth more slaves.

[@mrggy]

Overwork is definitely a huge problem, especially in education. The schools are understaffed and a lot of my coworkers end up working 12 hour days because they just physically can't get everything done. They come in at 7, teach from 8-3: 30 with often only one period off for planning, then after school they have to supervise club activities until 6pm, and only then are they able to start grading papers, lesson planning, and tackling all of their admin responsibilities (including planning the school trip, sports days, field trips, professional development trainings, etc). Plus there's mandatory club practices on Saturday mornings, so the teachers have to be at school during the weekend as well. One of my coworkers goes in on Sundays too so she literally doesn't get a day off. There's recently been a push from above to reduce working hours, but without doing anything anything to reduce the work load, it just feels empty and tone deaf. It's framed as "time management" issue and just urges teachers to work more efficiently, ignoring the root cause

[@quinnard9750]

Weebbbb

[@BananaNinja]

as a foreigner I never want Japan to fade away, the country as a whole is so dope from nature to just mannerism, but man the working lifestyle is just so damn brutal

[@Raspukek-fu8un]

nah itsa fairytale bout workhours. they work just as regular ppl 40 hours\week. just whinning much.

[@jasonlucas2328]

@@Joe-no7gs I used to work in Silicon Valley. Ten years ago, I took a year-long contract and worked in Shinjuku. I never wanted to work in Japan again. We work a lot in the US but can plan our lives. Working until nine at night in Japan and then drinking with the boss is expected.

[@AbelMusa]

Don't describe a country as "dope" ffs

[@yellow_flash813]

​@@AbelMusaBitch tf? What's wrong with the word 'dope' when describing a country?

[@cicatrace]

@@AbelMusa Dope is a popular, well-known expression. Sure it sounds a bit weird when talking about a country, but it still means what it means, which is positive. You can't control how people choose to express themselves.

[@Evie170]

Watching from Australia. A good solution to increase the birth rate would be to have more vacation leave, weekends off to socialise and for the government to give tax cuts/incentives for married people to have more children. Also, having a relaxing holiday at a place like Byron Bay, NSW. Lots of international tourists go there, it's a very relaxing place, which would help people get in the mood. 😊

[@wombat5252]

Yeah that is one of their biggest issues. Their work life is brutal with extremely long hours and employers expecting you to do more than the job even requires. It's their own fault. Not to mention the people are so reserved that they don't often go out flirting and trying to date. Women are more independent so they don't even bother looking for a man and if they do, the man has to earn MORE than her so they get picky and choosy.

[@SoteksChunkyProphet-dg7io]

The problem is the best society that lends to having children is probably Sweden. And even they have very low birth rates. So clearly these things aren't the problem.

[@MrAkaacer]

Poor people have the most children :), because they have more time or less options (which argument you prefer), so there's something to what you say. Modern societies has the issue with women working. If both sexes are working, who has time to raise a family? Both men and women working has just created issues, its created an increasing wealth gap, more consumerism, more resource intensive holidays (traveling overseas as opposed to your back yard), more food waste, more garbage, more plastic waste, etc...

[@user-mv5bd4lx4u]

@@wombat5252 The birth rate in Spain and Italy is lower than in Japan. Please throw away the wrong stereotypes and look at the reality.

[@MangaGamify]

@@user-mv5bd4lx4u What's the percent of your elderly? last time I remember about japan, the population consists 69% of elderly, not might be too accurate but you get the point, in the next 20~30 years they all die off, then suddenly the population is like a city. Even if cost of living gets better by those times, kids wont be in the average working age in another 18 years.

[@jalal6529]

Very interesting! I actually liked all their answers.

[@Loki_Yogi]

The older gentleman was really impressive. He seems to not only care but also understand the issues very well. At least to this American he does. 🙏

[@aaronton2703]

he understand bc he said he lived in USA and Germany and he really went out of his comfort zone unlike other who only stayed in they own bubble and never learn

[@BOZ_11]

@@aaronton2703 because the USA is a sterling example of a cultured, well-mannered, orderly society /s

[@aaronton2703]

@@BOZ_11 well if he was living in Western Europe he would still end up with mindset that he is right now

[@BOZ_11]

@@aaronton2703 Europe has the same problem as Japan, except Japan is about a decade ahead on the falling population curve.

[@NP1066]

The West has just as bad a problem of declining birthrates. It just steals and braindrains other countries for migrants and workers so it helps it mitigate it.

[@SeeVolmr]

I wanted you to ask a young mother what she thought! My Japanese friend in Japan, college educated in the USA & bilingual, did not "qualify" for daycare after her first baby and was unable to return to work (no daycare = no work! There is some sort of "point system" and their household had too many points). Her husband works long hours and 6-7 days a week and isn't available to help with the child or housework even though he wants to. On top of all the chores, she's making elaborate lunches and is required to fill out a daily "log" for her son before school. Basically she's always exhausted. Until Japan starts supporting women and employers start allowing women & men time off in the evenings and on weekends to help with family life- their birth rates will continue to sharply decline. Bringing in foreigners isn't the only solution, but there are so many cultural issues at play that there will not be an easy solution. Giving families more money might help a little, but a huge (and swift) culture shift is needed.

[@PatronHall]

Countries have tried all kinds of incentives and none of it works. On the woman's side, a career makes them put marriage off until later or not prioritize it at all. On the men's side, they spend their younger years in freedom but struggle with women until they establish themselves in their 30s/early 40s. By this time, the married life can't compare to the single life and women panicking to find a husband before her eggs dry up can' compete with younger women.

[@tokiwartooth4404]

No you exist to make other people rich. This is human society since the beginning of time. Yet you keep producing children to benefit the ruling class because?

[@earlysda]

cathy, in your own post you gave several answers to the problem, and they have nothing to do with "Japan starts supporting women and..."

[@jeffreyspinner9720]

Henry Thoreau said, "Sometimes experience means you've been doing it wrong longer." He was right.

[@sonyslyer9946]

Damn that’s crazy! Well there’s too many elderly people and they get everything first. If the govt would change that, then it might help

[@peerlessneedle4272]

If nothing else everyone was very articulate and well spoken in this video.

[@jovonrosen8417]

Long form interview with this fellow would be awesome!

[@stevenguitink5947]

I lived in Japan for six years and while I love the country, I do think its a country stuck in cultural stagnancy. Its work culture is relentless, its social culture is so regimented as to be stunted and its cultural adherence to societal harmony has become an silent excuse to ignore widespread problems.

[@geoffreyharris5931]

They are much how the British were in the 19th century.

[@f430ferrari5]

So where did you move to? You find it better? Or you realize there is a different set of issues.

[@stevenguitink5947]

@@f430ferrari5 What does that have to do with Japan? I'm talking where I lived, not where I ended up.

[@f430ferrari5]

@@stevenguitink5947 it’s just a simple question. Seems you’re having trouble answering?

[@stevenguitink5947]

@@f430ferrari5 nope. I just don’t see what my home country has to do with the topic of this video.

[@thepuglover888]

This is one of my favorite videos of yours. You interviewed diverse people and they all did an excellent job of sharing their views. I studied about the population decline some in school and they all addressed the issue with their own thoughts.

[@butterletto]

Can you also share your thoughts about why this is happening and what kind of politics governments should follow to prevent this issue? (If it is a issue)

[@anacarolinamoraes]

That was such an interesting interview, the interviewees were truly engaging unlike some other interviews I’ve watched before. I especially enjoyed listening to the older gentleman and his perspective on the subject. Great job, Takashii

[@strider_hiryu134]

nice vlog bro. new subs here from PH. I like how Japan raised their kids and values their culture. lots of respect and good manners. I personally like to live in Japan. You guys are very disciplined, industrious, humble, and very nice. thanks

[@nemeth-it]

In Japan, there is a noticeable problem in society: it has evolved into a purely work-oriented society. How can we expect average or low-income earners to dedicate enough time to their children, family, or reproduction when they have long working hours, minimal vacation time, and potentially social obligations towards their business partners and colleagues? The working hours are excessively long, and vacations are too short. While most Japanese people earn more compared to other countries, they also have higher expenses. Personally, if I were in their shoes, I wouldn't feel inclined to consider having children either. In my opinion, only well-off individuals can afford to have children without much concern, as they can handle a parent being absent from work for a few weeks or months or even partially or fully devoting themselves to household duties for the family. Furthermore, the immigration of foreigners will not significantly alleviate the situation. It is necessary for there to be a change in the excessively intense work culture, which is far from promoting a healthy and social environment within Japanese society. Without reforms that prioritize leisure time and improved salaries, as an impartial observer, I unfortunately see little hope for Japan. It's truly unfortunate because Japan possesses a fascinating culture and traditions.

[@user-qm7jw]

Why do you think the birth rate in Finland, which is said to have the best work-life balance in the world, is lower than in Japan?

[@ExtroLurkerhaz]

@@user-qm7jw Most likely similar to Sweden... We don't see the benefits of kids, we aren't told of it.. in my 40s i realize the value of having kids, wish i had em 15 years ago.. When you grow older you will be more and more lonely, i see it in my parents now arounds 70 yo.. friends pass on, no parents left and all they got is their pretty meager retirement and if they are lucky, they have kids and grandchildren. The value in that cant be measured by much else.. 50 or 100 years back having kids was in a way to secure your elderly years from being miserable. A bit family can take care of you. Take care of the farm or livelyhood your family has. We don't have work anymore that we consider passing on to our children.. who tf wants to pass on a ordinary clerk job or a sec guard or a mailman job to their kids? Finland probably has the same problem as Sweden, people are so comfy and will be comfy all their life until they die of old age, even without children. Why bother wasting so much of your life on children when you can spend it on yourself!?.. well thats what i think the mentality is anyway. You can see it in that japanese girl on the right when he interviews the couple.

[@mysteryY2K]

@@user-qm7jwno one wants to fuck in that freezing cold xD also Finland takes care of their elderly so people don't need kids to do it

[@gamble777888]

@@ExtroLurkerhaz My perception is this is driven mainly by women in the developed world. Women are more concerned about their independence than being mothers. In my experience most men still want children, the overwhelming majority I would say. Economic hurdles are obviously a concern but even couples that could afford kids don't want more than 1 or 2 at the most. Women never want to give up their professions even if they can completely afford to. At the end of the day as long as women don't view being a full-time mother as a worthwhile pursuit we will continue to see a massive decline in birthrates all across the developed world. It's a crisis not just in Japan but almost every first world country.

[@DoubleSpy]

It may be a uninformed opinion, but I truly believe the prosperity of Japan is going to happen when they invest in making rural areas as important as the city areas. As more young adults get olds, they often want to return to a simpler time in their lives. I hope that younger Japanese families take it upon themselves to move out of the city and focus on simpler living. The mechas will always exist. It will always be a meat grinder. You can look at historical text that shows most ancient civilizations larger cities usually had the same problems you listed of long hours and little pay. Good observation though. Also, Takashii-san is an incredible interviewer.

[@LoveSeeker81392]

This is a growing world wide issue. Its hard enough to support yourself. Harder to support another. You get older and maybe you can support a child. Unless you get lucky through circumstance, kids are a huge risk and responsibility. If you have kids you want them to have at least a better life or experience than you did.

[@Zhantzher]

That's exactly what I think and I couldn't express it in words better than you did; thanks!

[@JHimminy]

“Better life” = easier, more comfortable, more conveniences, materially wealthier = worse life. Very few people want their kids to have the necessary hardships and challenges that forge competent adults.

[@McShag420]

Strange that in this era of plenty, where we have more technology than ever, people struggle so hard just to get by. Having children anywhere in the globe becomes more difficult in times such as these.

[@SomaStory]

​@@JHimminy I'm pretty sure that what most people mean by 'a better life' is being financially secure.

[@LoveSeeker81392]

@McShag420 Unfortunately. The pandemic made it worse. World events are making it worse. In many places minimum wage is the norm. You can waste time and money on a 4 yr college degree and make at most double minimum wage, while there are jobs that you can do for similar pay without college. Everything is significantly more expensive. Finding work is harder, you need experience to get the jobs you want, but you cant get the experience because it is already a requirement for said jobs. So many problems, and additional negative circumstances only makes it tougher. So many problems in the world would disappear over night if people could more easily afford basic needs.

[@ericv1686]

Too bad some English subtitles are missing here and there ... All in all a very interesting video, praise for Mr. Takashii, and may you go on with the good work ...

[@gutz323]

The UK seems the same, i am 45, and many of my friends (although in long term relationships) are not married and dont plan to. There are also many that dont have kids, and the ones that do, rarely have more than 2. But i guess we dont have a proplem with foreign workers. Many immigrants come to the UK, with some areas having white British as a minority.

[@KarlKarsnark]

"...with some areas having white British as a minority." Yes, that's called "Ethnic Cleansing". Kinda makes you wonder who really won the War? WAKE UP!!!!!!

[@D-ei1pc]

I heard that working lots of hours in Japan even when there is no work to do, is a thing. No one can raise a family like that. People wouldn't have the time and energy to have kids. If that is the case, the culture would have to drastically change to allow people live some sort of life other than sacrificing their lives to a company.

[@johnhorner5711]

My experience doing business in Japan was long ago in the early 1990s, but I sure noticed that the professionals I worked with put in extreme hours at work, but often the time was not effectively used. Massive meetings with three times more participants than a similar meeting in the US. Subordinates spending lots of time trying to guess what the bosses wanted rather than getting clear direction. Offices with everyone sitting in cramped spaces so they couldn't think or be efficient (many US companies have adopted this bad idea since then). In the 1990s Japan was top dog in electronics design and manufacturing, top dog in automobiles and so on. Now Japan isn't the leader in ANY industry. Sad to see.

[@SpoiledBadgerMilk]

@@johnhorner5711 Toyota still killing it. Anime is a huge industry. Their is loads of good industry in Japan.

[@Gracebk4tq]

@@SpoiledBadgerMilk China and Korea are making better quality manga than Japan. Japan better step up otherwise they will lose their throne.

[@johnhorner5711]

@@SpoiledBadgerMilk Anime is doing well, but it is a fairly small niche. Toyota has lost a lot of market share to Hyundai/Kia and now to Tesla. Toyota was the eco-car leader, but now is scrambling to catch up on electric cars. Meanwhile, Japan once led in all consumer electronics categories, semiconductors, laptop computers and photography. Today they have been completely pushed out of the cell phone market, and cell phones have gobbled up all of what used to be separate devices (phones, cameras, videocameras, hand held games, CB radio, tape recorders, etc.).

[@SpoiledBadgerMilk]

@johnhorner5711 have you seen Toyota sells. Or sony's sells for their camera division. Their tvs are toe to toe with likes of samsung and lg. You don't have to sell the most to be the best. Kia and Hyundai suck ass. Kia you can use your key phob to start another person's car. Hyundai are easy to car jack. Toyota doesn't want to invest in all electric because japanese are not stupid. Electric cars produce the same of co2 its just transported to the power station instead of the tail pipe. Are highly toxic for the environment to make and takes over 30,000 gallons of water min to put a car battery fire out. Toyota has the right idea hydrogen powerd cars are the real future. Plus any car today can be modified to run hydrogen. Plus you can get rid of catalytic converters evap canisters and the married of censors and computer that have made cars so expensive.

[@itsuhitokomura7607]

I am also a Japanese youth. I personally feel that people having been born in Showa Era tend not to be as open-minded as the ones having been born in Heisei and Showa people tend to press their ways of thinking on youger generations and try not to listen to what younger people think. This tendency prevents Japanese society from developing, I think. The old man in the video who lived in America is quite exceptional.

[@bokumo7063]

That's curious. As I understand, Showa Japan underwent miraculous rapid transformation -- the whole population did an overnight unified 180, changed the entire country, and created the post-war Miracle. But you say Showa Japanese are resistant to change? I wonder whether either Meiji Restoration or the Economic Miracle would be possible in an ethnically mixed country. That's why as an American living in a country on the verge of race war, I don't lecture Japan on diversity. It makes me sick when I hear American progressives lecturing Japan on race when my country is about to re-elect the KKK Grand Dragon president to save 'White America' from the Great Replacement. My country was integrated by slavery, not by racial justice. It seems to me that Japan needs a New Miracle to survive. But please don't think the American way is the right way for Japan.

[@bokumo7063]

@Againsttransvestites I'm sure what I will say will make you angry, but whoever has influenced you online, Japan cannot allow those kind of influences. I hope @itsuhitokomura7607 can see that his country is doomed if they try to racially integrate while letting people scream about transgendered immigrants on Japanese social media. And the same goes for the BLM hustlers profiteering off of racial injustice. Japan cannot let trolls spread anti-Japan propaganda or anti-immigrant propaganda online while trying to integrate the country.

[@itsuhitokomura7607]

@@bokumo7063 If you come to Japan and talk with elderly people there (although many of them can't speak English), you will see how they are obsessed with Showas ways of thinking. Or you will see middle aged workers trying to force younger workers to work overtime without getting paid. Maybe Showa people are obsessed with their ways of thinking because they succeeded using those ways.

[@theultimatereductionist7592]

Way to HYPOCRITICALLY attack American progressives when it is CUNTSERVATIVES who would re-elect a KKK Grand Dragon.@@bokumo7063

[@theultimatereductionist7592]

There is nothing special nor important about any group of people's "way of thinking", just because it's label a certain generation or culture or tradition or habit. Everybody is forced into the world without their consent and therefore their opinion is just as important as anyone else's. This is an Antinatalist Fact.@@itsuhitokomura7607

[@wtsukazan]

Very interesting.. Thank you!

[@lilocahyo2789]

My country is facing a significant increase in birth rates in the early 2000s, leading to consequences such as rising population density, increased unemployment, limited land availability, and other challenges. As a response, the government has implemented a program encouraging families to have a maximum of two children. But nowadays as the average age in my country is 29 years old. The society has become more modern, driven by the younger generation that is shaping the nation. Productivity and economic growth have seen a significant boost in recent years. Similar to many other countries, there is also a growing consideration for marriages without having children. However, the immediate adoption of such a mindset may face challenges due to religious reasons and the large population. Personally, I believe that the advantages and disadvantages of population size have their own pros and cons. Every country should strive for a balanced approach, and my message to Japan is to be cautious not to lose its native population in the future. The formation of a nation begins with the establishment of strong families, where children carry forward their native DNA, contributing to the country's identity. While incorporating foreigners is a current option, human diversity, with its unique characteristics and races, is the distinctive feature of a nation's culture.

[@grazz_er]

Where are you from?

[@SuperBennnnnnnnn]

yes, you better make those corporations more money. In turn you get to live a modest and lonely life. What a time to be alive....

[@xBermellonx]

One thing that is constantly on my mind is that no one would want to be the kind of parent who is never at home, and only goes home to sleep, because the children will be alone for the most part, it's kind of sad but, if anyone has experienced this in their childhood, I think it's one of the reasons they would not want to have kids. And since in Japan you are morally obligated to stay at work until superiors leave, and also go out with the members to drink, that is a lot of time that is not shared with the family. That is just sad.

[@raipier]

Work life balance is still not a thing in Japan.

[@foxpaw1]

@@raipier you will note that americans get 2 wks of vacation and define themselves by their jobs. europeans get maybe twice as much if not more and scarcely ever define themselves by their occupations.

[@Bbenkosky]

Yup. Planet is overpopulated. Evidence is in how hard it is to provide for all the needs of a modern child

[@MuslimMMA97]

woman with kids shouldnt work

[@MuslimMMA97]

@@Bbenkosky BS kids only need a samll wuantity of water n food compared to adult

[@scottdonnelly2472]

I think the older interviewer makes a strong point about having more social services for learning the language. The reality of the situation is that if you are not near fluent you cannot survive in Japan. I have been here for a year and a half and only have found a handful of "free options" however even these options are difficult to access. Its not like Japanese is really spoken outside of Japan, and not enough Japanese speak English in the business world. Even my friends in language schools have not progressed enough to find jobs in their fields. Language schools are not affordable / have small success rates it seems

[@77Friction]

Didnt realize it was this big of an issue. Interesting stuff

[@patrickbarks997]

Not sure how well Duolingo is developed for Japanese, but I felt it gave a really good grounding in Russian and Italian for me.

[@TrowaBarton1455]

@@patrickbarks997 It's not that good. It's alright for vocabulary but grammar and such can be hit or miss.

[@rowbearly6128]

@@77Friction Nobody speaks English, nor do they want to. Especially outside major cities.

[@erickolb8581]

I won't go there simply because of the cultural difference between mine and theirs. I imagine they might perceive me as underclass or foolish because I'm not highly educated and make too many mistakes. The language barrier is the tip of the iceberg.

[@ajmorkin7429]

Thank you for the Japanese subtitles. I use it for improving my Japanese comprehension.

[@ranvinay8888]

Knowing about the country which you think of going in future is interesting and your videos makes it quite easy 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@Oxalis_acetosella]

It is nice to hear this interview with a wide variety of people, young and old, male and female. Many "I asked Japanese people" type videos only ask people around 20 years old in Shibuya or Harajuku, which I think is biased.

[@thecardtrickstudent3870]

yes, they would do that because they think that's what their audience will listen to. If there were no people eating animals, then there wouldn't animal killings. But outside Japan, since people don't know what Japanese elderly think, they do like to know what they have to say, thus there's demand for that outside Japan.

[@annoyed707]

I agree that it makes his videos much more interesting than somr others. I do not object to interviewing pretty women once in a while, if they have something interesting to say. ;)

[@ryanasksaround]

I was really expeting the older man to have different responses, but you can tell because of his travel experiences he really has an intelligent worldview. Really impressive to see some of the older generation in Japan with an open mind. Side note: Anyone looking to do an interview w/me in Osaka?

[@xeli3046]

which is really sad bc most would have these preconcieved ideas about the elderly, I only wish that curse fades away soon...

[@mkroy298]

@@xeli3046 well i mean, elderly people don't have much time left...so naturally that curse will fade lol

[@Haru-nee]

I actually disagree with him. I think the Japanese circle should extend and people should be more open to having grandparents raise the kids while parents work. So the tight knit community is actually essential. The reason India, for one, is growing is because it's acceptable to live in your parents'house after marriage and have them raise the really young kids if you both work. At all income levels.

[@cottoncandykawaii2673]

being an educated Japanese boomer he probably has not lived in areas/times in the US and Germany that were hit hardest by "diversity", likely he lived in nicer/whiter areas. Most of the West has demographically changed significantly just over the last 2 decades, there are places in Germany that were Germany in the 90's that are majority foreign today

[@xeli3046]

@_that_dam_baka_ hm, I get where you're getting at, though it's easier said than done. It depends on a lot of things.

[@poduvalmadhavan]

Good video, thanks.

[@Johnfulkan283]

Damn this is great interview on the issue and how Japanese folks are viewing.

[@BeatrisZaharia]

You are a great interviewer, for real. Be proud of your ability to make any type of persona comfortable in your presence

[@aaz1992]

A true professional 🤌

[@ian5066]

The point about having a way to learn Japanese when living in Japan is a big one. As an American, a Japanese language tutor costs about $50 an hour. It's a complex language from an English speakers standpoint and requires a lot of class time. One of the biggest barriers to me was when I tried to learn was it just got too expensive and I didn't really see an avenue to immigration. As an engineer by trade, it wasn't a lack of jobs, but unless I had planned to do this since early college where I might have studied overseas I just couldn't find a pathway to make the move. I love Japanese culture and would love to do more than just visit on travel, but bringing my professional skills over there seemed impossible.

[@blowitoutyourcunt7675]

There is no path to employment for my career either and I gave up, I just went to visit and that taught me everything I needed to know - I'm actually glad there was no path for my career choice for employment in Japan. Being stuck in a beautiful but lonely conformist hellscape where you'll never be a part of the community because your foreign-ness consistently sets you so far apart, is a reality I didn't need to live. Besides other countries are much more friendlier to work and career in and the work culture Isn't So torturous. I'm Beyond glad my sister finally saw the light and is coming home, it saved me the trouble of having to move, career and live there just to be close to her and her children.

[@Diablo-bb1nj]

50 bucks per hour??? Why...? It's barely 25 here

[@SecksyMan]

tutor for what? Languages don't have complicated topics that need to be explained. Books and KZbin are more than enough to explain grammar and proper pronunciation. I think you're over complicating things. Use your smart phone to study alphabet and vocabulary. That alone will get you very far.

[@ian5066]

@Diablo-bb1nj I can get it for about $30 in group sessions of 8-16 people. Private is 50 same if private online. The distance to nearest tutor was 1 hour 15min so gas makes it about even.

[@TacoMonster4eva]

Just watch tons of Anime. You will learn fast.

[@akihiro7858]

10:16 いいっすねぇこの方のキャラ　しっかり意見もあり。 いい動画ですね♪

[@user-nr8ns3bf9t]

今回のトピックは非常に良い思います！親戚のおじさんも孤独死しましたし、先輩のお母さんも孤独死しました。深刻な問題だと思います❕だから連れ添いは　大事なんですよ！

[@boost_jay]

the older man said it perfectly and I saw it clearly while visiting Japan. Americans want to socialize and expand who they know while japanese people stick to themselves and have their group. It makes it very difficult to meet people in Japan along with the language barrier. Great interviews!

[@Wingnut353]

To be completely fair that is a very narrow view based on the people you've seen lots and lots of Americans are just like that too.... typically more in the rural areas. And by rural I don't mean necessarily low population areas, just outside the metro areas. Also rural americans rely more on family and less on the government not entirely so but it is the trend.... due to the type of society Japan has I think it would be better to build on thier strengths rather than to tear down the good things Japan has. So, strengthening the family reliance would be a good thing, enabling lower working hours, and increasing wages... would all be things that Japan should be working towards that would increase the birth rate.

[@UnDeAdSpRaYe]

not true. I lived there for two years and had many japanese friends. seems like you expect people to come to you

[@boost_jay]

@@UnDeAdSpRaYe Made plenty of friends, just harder to talk to people in the day to day. But Covid and language barrier had alot to do with it. Also everyone has different experiences so

[@Funica11]

That man is only speaking about stereotypes. As far as I observe, generally speaking, Americans are far more conservative sticking to their own groups, despite their society being multi-racial and they have plenty of chance to expand. Japanese want to expand yet their society is homogeneous, they do not have many chances unless they go out of Japan.

[@SL16867]

@@UnDeAdSpRaYe I doubt you have real friends.

[@GeorgeDoc250]

As someone that would be interested in moving to Japan, maybe the biggest issue would be the work culture. Having to stay long hours, even if you're done with your tasks, and then going out regularly with your colleagues, not taking your vacation days, just to look like a team player and not be forgotten when the possibility for promotion comes... It's no wonder infidelity rises when due to missing so many hours from home, couples get estranged and lose intimacy. Maybe that's starting to change a bit, and hopefully it will change more in the future.

[@TokyoTaisu]

Just go work for a foreign company and skip that bs

[@HermanWillems]

Yes there should be maximum allowed working hours. And if working more need to be good extra pay. (That's how it is here, and that's how i also make good money with overtime and going abroad.)

[@lawrenceberman595]

my two sons both live in japan and work for themselves , it is possible to be an independent entrepreneur in japan

[@TokyoTaisu]

@@lawrenceberman595 entrepreneur yes, independent no, because every sane business depends on quality relationships.

[@PurpleTeamer]

Dont come. we are full.

[@MizuBangkok]

I respect the way you create videos.

[@ksakamoto826]

Hi, I’m your new subscriber I’m a Filipina married to a Japanese and have to daughter may eldest is 28 and my youngest is 27year old and both having stable jobs they both have there long time boyfriends but I doubt if they have planned of marrying and have a family of their own….I am just sharing because I can relate the topic…I found your contents so interesting and learning…

[@ArmaHipHopTV]

I hope Japan can fix this problem because I'm genuinely fascinated by Japan and really respect their manners and culture.

[@terrahwonneh]

They’re planning to just continue decreasing unfortunately you can always live there I wouldn’t recommend anyone to reside in Japan anymore especially if you’re a foreigner going over there to commit useless crimes

[@bvicc20]

​@@terrahwonnehHave you lived there? Know from experience?

[@tednguyen7258]

they are over populated...and thats being fixed by the dieing off

[@manuwilson4695]

Your comment makes no sense, whatsoever! 🤷‍♂@@terrahwonneh

[@ClyptonimusPrime_n64]

I'm from the USA and I know the cost of living is different, but even here it is very difficult to even afford to have child these days. With wages stagnating and the cost of living skyrocketing, the prospect of bringing a child into this world is very daunting to say the least. There were some great points brought up in this video. It seems many individuals want to focus on building their careers to gain more financial stability before considering parenthood. I think in general, the longer this decision is put on the back burner, the less likely people will be interested in having children all together. So that just compounds an already complex issue! All very interesting perspectives. Thanks for sharing!

[@pdmerritt]

As a father of two children...unless you are very well to do financially and mentally you're never 100% ready for a child. You have to work the child(ren) in if you really want one but it's totally worth the sacrifice imho.

[@MsJenniferinNYC]

The govt is going to make us dependent on them that is why AI is the focus in so many of these tech companies

[@111hh3]

thank you guys, it's so interesting for a westner to listen to you, it's so inspiring the manners that you have and the way you talk about things. I am from Italy, we are facing very similar issues purchase power reduced so much in the last 50 years such as birth rate and hope for a better future. I would not reccomend to import foreigners, but if you really have to please be carefull who you let in and yes to have a society we need shared rules. If you go to new york and los angeles you will see what extremist multi culturalism leads too: no rules and widespread insecurity of those who respect laws, actually laws are protecting criminals and punishing honest citizens. I would suggest to preserve your beautiful uniqueness, the world needs your contribution in the next centuries I really wish to visit Japan with a guide one day!!!

[@Firepulser]

Worldy Oji-san makes a huge point. Kids must help in the household! If kids are just a burden who only add more work for their parents why would they have them? In other cultures, more kids equals more helping hands to support the family.

[@grazz_er]

That's a good point, but kids are no longer the "helping hands", since the world is very urbanized. And I'm not sure whether it's possible to reverse it. We are not gonna live in the small village with a lot of hand work anymore.

[@georgeverasvalentim1863]

I want to thank you for your sincere work on letting us know more about the Japanese people, you're making a great service for Japan itself. I can't go to Japan to interview people and ask questions to them, but I can watch you doing it. Other than that we can only have superficial thoughts with what other people say on the internet. I live among Japanese people in Canada and I just don't understand many things about them, at the same time it's so hard to approach and have a conversation with them, but now I go to your channel and start to understand the way they think and can decide on a better approach to connect to them. 有難うございます

[@LauraJdogmom]

I follow another Japanese KZbinr. He and his wife have three kids. He's mentioned that, because Japan's population skews older, political power lies with middle-aged and old people. The Government is thus more likely to respond to their needs and tends to neglect the needs of young families. He said that they are looking to relocate to a different country, in part because of some health challenges and in part to escape natural disasters, but also because he feels unsupported in his own country.

[@kazuoua]

The US skews younger but the political class is very old so I’m not sure what the KZbinr is saying is right. But regardless, what an awful situation modern politics are, people just take it for granted that it’s a game of us vs them so it’s incumbent on each of us to become part of a tribe and make sure its representatives get ahold of power. People just assume that it’s impossible for government to protect each and every one of us but instead it can only protect a single tribe at the expense (sacrifice) of others and since we don’t want to be sacrificed, it’s in our best interest to find a common enemy within us to offer up in the altar: the rich, the young, the elderly, etc. Sad.

[@peripheralvission]

@@kazuouaIt's not that the people in positions of power are old, but that the people who vote for them are old. So it's much easier to get voted into office in Japan if you cater to the needs of the elderly. In the United States a lot of politicians run on the "shit's too expensive for young people" platform and get voted in for it (even if they don't do anything about it).

[@SHA-3qua]

@@kazuouait is literally the fault of rich people that the populations are declining, that’s why everyone said that the cost of living is too high.

[@SilverHawk214]

Shogo?

[@LauraJdogmom]

@@SilverHawk214 Yes

[@SergeLabelle]

I do business in Japan and spend a lot of time there. One crucial thing would be for the Japanese to learn English (or any 2nd language). Yes, we have to make an effort to learn Japanese however, it's a very difficult language that requires years of work. My clients which are major brands in Japan, always tell me how much I respect the manners, understand the business culture, and appreciate my knowledge of the country and its culture. English (a level one language) is a very easy language to learn compared to Japanese (I speak four). An effort from both sides is required: 1) foreigners -> Respect the manners and way of living in Japan 2) Japanese -> Learn a 2nd language. Japan is the #80 bilingual country in the world...

[@Garthgoyle]

Their English skills are abysmal. With all of their English programs and eikaiwas for the past 30 years, plus companies like Rakuten setting their businesses language to English, you'd think quite many could manage speaking the English to some extend. But nope. Almost no one. While if you were to travel through Korea, so many could speak English there; at banks, restaurants, phone stores, stores, etc.

[@angelsub9184]

​@@GarthgoyleThey make English lesson in their country so poorly managed so foreigners don't have choice but learn Japanese and also it is to prevent Japanese from going abroad. Remember, Japanese is still fascist country. They are so proud of their own culture, and race and look down below any non-Japanese and half-Japanese. It might not be direct racism to bluntly insult someone, but their racism takes more legal route, like banning foreigners from entering the workforce by telling them their Japanese is not enough, landlord refusing you to rent their place, Japanese become your "friends" when you have something they need, but they will slowly retreat from you if they already get something from you, and suddenly you guys are not "friends" anymore. Try living here for more than 40 years, having Japanese spouse, raising half-Japanese kids. You'll notice the sudden shifts from their warm welcome Gaijin attitude to the cold, silent treatment when you turn to be the real immigrant.

[@GremoriaParadise]

English is not easy for Japanese or us Asian people to begin with . English is very hard, you may believe it's easy because you are a westerner

[@fenrirr22]

@@GremoriaParadise That is simply not true. English is an objectively easy language, and it also helps, that most scientific literature, games, and entertainment media are in English (obviously this is a problem in Japan, as they have a huge native entertainment industry compared to other countries. I am European, but my mother tongue has nothing to do with any other European language (its closest relatives are small Siberian tribes), and learning English was still pretty easy, while learning Japanese is incredibly hard, even though we have a somewhat similar world order and structure.

[@Fremder5]

why should they? Japanese living in japan only speaking japanese. ??

[@hamsterminator]

I find these videos fascinating. Not only because of the interesting a beautiful people you speak to but because of the wider view of Japan and its future, past and present.

[@ElDapperCaballo]

My wife and I both visited Japan a little over a month ago, and we both fell in love with the country and its people. We've both been very interested in Japan through food and anime for a long time so it was a dream come true to visit. One thing we did notice while we were there was a lack of young adults with children. Where we live, we're use to the sights and sounds of kids laughing and playing in the neighborhood or at the stores or park/public areas. That was something that was almost completely missing in all three cities we visited (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo). It does make me sad to know there is a missing generation of future Japanese people to carry on it's beautiful culture. I've seen many videos of older craftsman and artisans that have carried on their crafts for generations, and there simply aren't enough younger people to fill in the gap. The only caveat to this is that HORDE of students that visited Kyoto while we were there. We happen to be there while many schools were having their end of year trips. Still, they were mostly middle and high school kids. I could count on one hand the amount of times we saw younger children. While I do think one solution is allowing more foreigners, I think also there needs to be a shift of the work culture that helps foster relationships outside of work relationships. There are many work culture things that just don't make sense in this day in age (staying late with the boss even if all your work is finished, having to go out for drinks with coworkers on a regular basis, needing to stay in the office even if you've completed all your work early, the NEED to have to work in the office, etc). It all makes it seem very inflexible for having a life outside of work. I've heard that long hours keep many people from being interested in investing time into romantic relationships. I think the fact that there are so many different ways of being with people that are unique to Japan (people rental services/maid cafes/host bars/etc.) is symptom of people not finding fulfilling relationships, so they find other (easier and quicker) ways of connecting with people.

[@smsth07]

There are even breakup services

[@jeromeg.8461]

It was a very long comment, thought I wouldn't read it, but happy I did.. you made it very complete, think it's a nice point of view. About artisans it's something that is getting lost everywhere I would say as people don't want to take over because of the nowadays circumstances and philosophy and the difficulty of that work too.

[@sharnirickard7130]

@@jeromeg.8461 also most youthful generations would rather reach for higher paying jobs, and seeking false lives though peoples social media often gives unnatural presures, simular with how porn has along with models and the expectations of working and using most of your money on high grade consumer products cause issues.

[@DennisJDuran]

Your paragraph should be talk to one of these guys videos

[@mk-sh6iy]

I completely agree. Especially considering that people in other countries like the us don't have such working conditions, so why would they want to move to and work in japan? If the work culture changes it will not only make it more accessible for foreigners looking to move to and work in japan, but it will also help the japanese population as well.

[@returningwhisper]

It’s bad in the US too. Things you would expect to be in place for raising a family are being eroded. It’s a huge risk to have a child with someone.

[@Bristecom]

Especially for a man in the US. If his wife decides to divorce, he can lose his kids, home, half or more of income, etc for the rest of his life. Only around 20% of marriages succeed in the US anymore...

[@AarenYASS]

a side effect of dating culture being toxic.

[@Sam-nz9yn]

@@AarenYASS gotta get that child support

[@venti8243]

poor US man they need Jesus all people are just selfish people there

[@clonosfreid6658]

It's hard, because it's two fold. While the economics behind having kids is already tough, because of sexual liberation everyone doesn't feel the need to stay loyal anymore. By the time people really want to settle down, it's essentially just too late because they wanted to only have experiences and not think about a future. Some would say it's not wrong to think that way--and I agree--but, only to a certain extent. There has to be a time when an adult just has to make decisions. THAT'S what I think is the real issue, no responsibility or avoidance of it.

[@same5songseveryday]

The gentleman at 4:45 has a lot of interesting things to say, i wish i could listen to him speak for hours.

[@yohaninjapan]

Anyone can have kids right now but it's so many things, layers preventing them from doing so. Their own thoughts, actually dating, becoming a relationship, married, attempting to make kids. Each layer is a HUGE hurdle to overcome that many can't even overcome one layer much less all of them!

[@Arazand]

Cost of living vs free time is crucial for building families. If the economy dont allow this balance then its close to impossible to have a family as a middle or lower income household. Work culture would need to change and respect workers free time and still pay well. Discussion about how to make new friends and have new relationship that the older gentleman touched on is also true and important. Japan and many other countries will need to face these things.

[@MuslimMMA97]

its woman foult they dont want to be stay at home wifes

[@ComposerUSA]

Feminism + contraception + environmental chemicals + "adult entertainment industry" + LGBTQ = extinction. The Amish, who avoid those things, have a high fertility rate. Most people blame the financial aspect, but that's the least of the problems.

[@Arazand]

@@MuslimMMA97 nice troll account bruh. You should leave them for longer so its not so obvious that's its a fresh account. It literally says joined 4 days ago lol

[@Pan_Z]

Not having a 10% consumption tax would greatly help with the cost of living in Japan. Governments will pursue every option, but cutting taxes, a large part of household budgets are tight.

[@MuslimMMA97]

@@Arazand so? im right,woman dont want to be stay at home wifes and leave the fun

[@sayonarababy335]

I can relate to many of those thoughts as Germany sits in a similiar position. We have less kids because it is expensive, you work long hours and when you finally are off work you are too tired for kids. Life gets more expensive and tiring while the money you get for raising kids isnt much of a support. Our government tells us that foreign workers are the key but they open the borders for many people who do not in fact contribute to economy and also many people dont integrate well. I think some people do well and learn our language but also a lot dont and they even dont work here. So if Japan tries to grow it should carefully choose who should join their society. Some people are quite rude and dont have any manners, this will destabilize Japan and be a social burden

[@dorsia4167]

Open the doors to immigration, if not with highly selective methods, can be dangerous and lead to disorders and chaos like in France and most of Europe. Japan will lose his identity and safety.

[@HowardRoark008]

True

[@user-kb1dw9kg9j]

Australia, USA, Singapore are amongst countries which don't have problems with immigrants because, like you suggested, those who were able to immigrate are top talents in their home country. These countries have this choice of choosing who to let in as foreign workers and who to reject because many people want to immigrate to these countries. Germany doesn't have this opportunity because it simply isn't an attractive land-contrary to the belief of many Germans who think everyone would love to move to Germany. The truth is Germany is not people's second or even third or fourth or fifth choice. That's why Germany is forced to let anyone in who meets the very bare minimum requirements and has been hoping that by allowing refugees from war torn countries in they will fill in the shortage of skilled labour forces because the situation is already getting very desperate there. Germany should focus on asking themselves why no foreign talents want to move there and improve on that. The same can be said about Japan but since they aren't keen on letting anyone in they will probably have it even worse.

[@badbot223]

I've heard that Germany will become Islamic in a few years. Good luck with that

[@dranzerjetli5126]

Well people with proper education should be accepted unlike the illiterate Islamic refugees Europe accepts. There is a huge difference there.

[@stefanootes9526]

Oooh, very nice of the last guy to live in the Netherlands. I would love to take his spot in Japan, but I am afraid I don't add enough with my current skillset in the Japanese economy and community.

[@mtrmaps]

One thing I've always noticed when I was living in Japan is that people have a very strict self-discipline of not discussing your issues without censoring it. It is considered rude to not sugar coat things, no matter how sad or atrocious, as it might offend or burden the other person. Furthermore, there is a huge lingering sensation of deep shame preventing people to seek help from others. They fear the loss of face, and offending other people more than their own health or wellbeing. Japanese people have stressful life styles in a work-focused culture. Some people exhaust themselves to the point where their sex drive becomes lower. Also, strict parents of the older generation cloud's the youth's ability to see themselves in a happy family, because they themselves may not have seen/experience it. For those who have been living for at least a year in big cities like Tokyo, they will also notice that there are a lot of homeless kids (particularly girls). Even in the face of homelessness (underaged or not), they keep appearances up. They will often deny their homelessness, never ask for help, and go about their lives. As such, I firmly believe the reason for Japan's declining population is a complicated mess of culture, and stubbornness. The symptom is: Depression. The depression lowers sex drive and fertility. The stubbornness prevents people from seeking help. The culture prohibits change despite knowing they need it and they secretly pray for it.

[@MikeJones888x]

Great video. Very interesting to see and hear Japanese people discuss this issue. I want Japan to thrive and worried about the decline in population.

[@jasonbfhfj8132]

The solution to the problem would most likely mean a massive shift in Japanese culture which would change its identity. The things Japan is known for would get lost. That probably scares people. I’ve never been to Japan and i see how clean and friendly everyone is and i know that if they start opening their boarders that’s going to start dying. Look at Europe. They opened the floodgates to refuges and now it’s an absolute shithole. Rapes skyrocking, riots constant, murders up, etc. I believe Japan will start to decline into a bad place to live.

[@kaynesheenan]

great interview. I'm a foreigner who has lived in Japan on-and-off since 2007. I've seen in the last 16 years that more foreigners are living here. This is nice to see. .. however, I have seen the decline in some manners from some foreigners who have moved here. It's a small thing but I feel like it's a bit of a shame. I hope that foreigners can adapt and give quality service and manners.

[@rokko_hates_japan]

Yep. the sad thing is, the as more and more foreigners live in Japan, the very Japan that they were attracted to in the first place gets eroded.

[@djskampy]

I think it will be a BIG issue. The difference between the Japanese manner of thinking (my burden/trouble cannot be society's issue) is so very different from that of the rest of the world that it will collide. In order to maintain that Japanese vision, I think the foreign newcomers will have to be policed very strictly. Because, sadly enoough, there are a lot of people / cultures that simply do not want to understand that you don't talk loudly in a train, throw your litter in the street,...just to name of a couple of easy examples.

[@JamalBlakk]

It’s because too many people that move to Japan don’t want to be Japanese, but they expect everyone else to be so that the culture remains the same. Doesn’t work that way, though. You have to contribute to the kind of society you want to live in. Japan is a very specific kind of culture, and people love the country for that. But it will only be gradually watered down by immigrants who don’t want to be Japanese. And that happens when the immigrants go from wanting to live in Japan because they love it to wanting to go there for opportunity. These 20 year olds will be shocked when one day their country doesn’t feel like the place they grew up in while sit at home alone. But they will have been responsible.

[@TheDamianvain17]

I was literally looking through the comments to see if someone typed this befire I did. I sincerely hope Japan doesn't become ruined over the course. I've seen this happen in other places, in my travels to many countries, and it's so depressing.

[@kageyamareijikun]

Actually most of the foreigners with bad manners are merely tourists. They don't have residence visas.

[@Theo-mm7oh]

i considered visiting Japan. I admire the culture from afar but I hesitate to make the move. The primary concerns is the language barrier and the cost of living/visiting. I am working up the courage to actually try it. who knows...

[@Juanotubi]

Amazing vid. Greetings from Berlin

[@zsomborv5976]

As a friend told me, and I agree, the lack of sufficient money compared to prices and work hours/free time are the greatest factors.

[@justicenow8]

Takashi NEVER MISSES. Hits trending hot and obscure topics smoothly and to the point.

[@KORKULARINLAYUZLESMEZAMANI]

Thank you for your efforts, I am writing to you from Turkey and I am a KZbinr in Turkey.

[@rabukan5842]

As a foreigner living in Japan for over 15 years, I just want to tell you to keep doing what you are doing. You are an excellent young journalist seeking the truth, and from what I have seen of your videos, you are spot on, as are the wonderful Japanese people you interview. They are open to new ideas, especially changing the immigration laws, which will bring Japan back again. Insular countries have much difficulty these days because the world has become so small. Many in my country don't understand how important immigration is to its success. I appreciate the Japanese culture, but change is also necessary for growth. Listen to your youth, but also, to wiser, open minded elder men like the one you just interviewed. Gambatte Kudasai!

[@igodreamer7096]

The old man really make some really good points there. The interviews was very good all around. Keep up the good work, Takashi man! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@HatiTheMoonChaser]

I like how they are all too polite to answer :D Short and simple answer: "My salary doesn't allow me to have kids and even if it did in order to maintain my job I need to spend the majority of my time at work." That's it, people. People need a better salary and actual time to build their family. And you cannot do it without either of these things.

[@icydsting6037]

time and money, not what a ton of people have anymore.

[@HatiTheMoonChaser]

@@sparklesparklesparkle6318 What does Biden have to do with Japan? Or any other country in the world that faces the same issue? There is a world outside of America mate

[@ezevaillard7740]

Toxic work culture is an issue in Japan, I find that a lot of my friends who taught English in Japan love Japan, but could never adjust to work culture, cost of living in a major city, and the ostracized feeling of being a foreigner in Japan. Mind you, every country seems to be falling apart. Things are not looking too good here in the lucky country either.

[@sernik_z_rodzynkami]

I am really not sure if lack of money is the issue. Previous generations in many countries has way less money than us. My parents in PL earned aroun 1/20 (5%) of my current salary, yet it didn't stop them and many people in their sutuation from having kids. I'd rather say that the cause is a combination of: culture, conformity, accessible cotraception, lack of time (applies especially to Japan & highly taxed European countries) and fear (everyone tries to be a perfect parent this day and doesn't want to have kids if his house is too small, etc.)

[@HatiTheMoonChaser]

@@sernik_z_rodzynkami Did you account for inflation when calculating your parents salary? Because just 20 years ago what my parents could buy for 10 euros and what I can buy for 10 euros are totally different things. In fact arguably in many countries the buying power of the currencies of that time compared to now is so different. That despite our salaries looking bigger in number, they are actually smaller in value.

[@espada9]

I need to go back to Japan again and help out, my pullout game it terrible......

[@mikeh8008]

Hey y’all, you can do it. I’m married with two kids and I’m the only one working for income. Wife takes care of kids and home while I work. When we had our first kid, we were living in one bedroom apt, I was making $16/hr and worked a lot of hours. We were not on any govt assistance either. We had a little help from the church with food and they paid a bill once or twice for us, and my parents helped us a few times when finances were down, but we got through it and we have two kids and now I work as an Emt and the company pays $25/hr for all emts. We just bought a house, and payments are high, but we are making it, but we did have some help from my parents again. My work week is 40hrs but I pick up over time and end up working 60hr a week. I don’t see my family as much as I would like, but I’m in school again and hvac will be a better paying field.

[@DoctorDestyNova]

Yeah but that takes humility to do.

[@MangaGamify]

To me that sounds like, no parent or relative suddenly getting in an accident or needs hospital bills to pay, you also had help which not everyone has access to. One misfortunate event would just spiral out of control. Also get some rest, at that rate you'll be lucky if you reach 30. But everyone's their own hero in their own story, but if you see it's doable, it may be fine.

[@mechanicat23]

I love your channel. Thank you for making great content. When I visited Tokyo in January, I saw mothers with babies everywhere. I hope this means the population will grow again.

[@DreamVoxels]

most of adults / old japanese Ive met were not really confortable having foreigners coming. When I was there lots of people were asking me why I was learning japanese because Ill have to go away. When I was saying I wouldn't mind staying, lots of japanese were unconfortable with the idea of myself staying

[@skyak4493]

It is telling that the Japanese have a special word for anyone who is not Japanese "Gaijin". It translates to outsider but it is better translated to "mudblood" as in Harry Potter. There are societal changes needed that don't happen because supporting them can result in being made an outsider.

[@MarcelSt]

Actually "Gaijin" is a short version of "Gaigokujin" wich means foreigner but some people use it as an isnult

[@speechmomoda5363]

Like many places in Asia, I believe there is no ground in Japan to have a diverse community yet. Not only about the job vaccancies, but also the key values they stick to would be affected by the foreign cultures. Opposition against the immigration policies can be easily found in that case. But as the gentleman living in German before said, it is inevitable. And when there are more and more people choose to travel and settle in other countries, the idea of Japanese people would be changed, paying less attention to the 'tradition' or 'norms' which their parents stand to.

[@whresport9967]

Come on you imigrant. Other country same beacuse job. Economy.

[@skyak4493]

@@MarcelSt Good to know but also sad.

[@avalonjustin]

This was really cool, hearing from everyday Japanese about their thoughts and opinions.

[@mikedee171]

Really interesting

[@timothyhickman2913]

The older gentleman with the glasses was my favorite.

[@j3rkch1ck3n]

This topic makes me sad for Japan. I’ve been so fortunate to have traveled to Japan over the last 20 years a few times. There are so many wonderful things about Japan, and Japanese people. I agree though, the population shrinking so rapidly and the increased debt burden is a really bad combination for the future.

[@DragonSpikeXIII]

5:20 from what I've seen (TV, magazines) the image of the Japanese "Working Woman" began at least 30 years ago, during the Bubble Era. The same phenomenon occurred in the U.S. around the same time.

[@demial4]

About at 4:31, that reminds me of how my niece had a child with her boyfriend after high school. I asked my father why, and he said there's nothing else to do in that area of the country. I've always lived in a city. I guess I can't relate. I suppose if everyone around you is getting married and having kids, it seems like the normal and correct thing to do. Makes me wonder if that's what my choice had been had I lived in a similar area as her.

[@Translator-zj2fq]

I hope Japan solves this problem. Beautiful country and culture. I hope you find a way to adjust some points.. Regards from Brazil🇧🇷

[@user-kb1hw2yq2f]

They wont. Many countries will have this problem and they will NOT solve it. Look at the divorce rate. Look at what age most people marry. Look at body counts most females have (thats important) BEFORE they find "the one". Look at the infidelity rates in a marriage. Look at what now men are saying about marriage. More and more men no longer want to get married. Why would they? Too easy women who will do it for free, no ring, heck not even a dinner. Just come over.

[@HornedGod66]

I just hope they won't do what western Europe has done and import people from third world to "fix the situation" and make it worse.

[@heyhoe168]

Not anytime soon, especially Japan. With modern real estate state kids are luxury.

[@tymanung6382]

Pergunta--Question---- Do Japanese Brazilians in Brazil.face same problems?

[@Igor-vk8fl]

Japan is dead already. Government gives no fucks about population.

[@heronekkotheanimer7386]

In Brasil, it is very common for people to get marry and have children young, while also keeping their jobs and progressing on their careers. We usually take one or two years of "break" in order to raise the kid, then we let them with family members (most of the times retired grandpas or grandmas) or in caretakera during the week while we work and study, then in the weekends we get to be with our family and friends. I guess that could be a way to japanese people, specially woman, to raise a family while still taking care of work. However the work culture in japan is much more "extensive" than in Brasil, where people will rather take long vacations or focus on personal projects rather than spending hours in some company.

[@donii7092]

True. Same in NZ Parents have families but juggle the responsibilities and work as a couple to make it work. I think a lot of Japanese we fed the idea from their own country that it’s infeasible to work and have a family, that you can’t do both but it’s being down nearly everywhere else in the world, just not so much in Japan.

[@Estheim]

@@donii7092 they think like that because of their very long work hours. If you don't have time for yourself everyday, it would be very difficult to think about having a family. You'll always think you don't have time for it

[@donii7092]

@@Estheim We in NZ work very long hours too but our government has strong welfare benefits for growing and struggling families. I’d say the Japanese government was lacking in the family support side . They’ve only started their family support initiative so we’ll see over time how that works out for them

[@skyak4493]

In the US, employers are intolerant of work history gaps. Feminism and gender quotas have opened up hiring for some (not all) returning mothers, but if a man leaves a good job for family duties he is locked out and labeled a loser.

[@ryanweible9090]

@@Estheim Japan, from the videos i have been watching, has it really crazy,, once you are done working, and you have to show up early and leave late, you can be expected to go out to drink with your boss, whether you want to or not, or be labeled not a team player. so you are kind of stuck for all day from waking till you stumble in after the train, thats kind of uniquely intense. (honestly, i like my boss, but good grief that would be pure hell after i blew through every single conversation topic by the second day.)

[@kheiramakreloufi6209]

Wait 9:47 isn't that the guy with black shirt the KZbinr Jin who always remembers something??😃

[@TheEffectOfMass]

It seems to me that the younger generation in Japan is aware of some solutions, such as accepting foreigners for working there. Maybe there's hope if the younger generation can help influence that adjustment needed for their country to flourish. Heck, I'd highly consider moving there if I saw a good job opportunity.

[@BronzeSista]

Thank you Takashii for sharing this video! Very informative! I have been reading about population decline in Japan,

[@burtynumnum6021]

Takashi-san I find your channel super interesting and thought provoking, really like your interview style, not aggressive and let people express their viewpoint. The elderly man had so much insight, unfortunately no one in power seems to be listening. Keep going - fantastic!!👏

[@path1400]

I watched a youtube video about thousands of Japanese children in orphanages. It said that they can not find foster parents for them. The video said they can not get the children adopted because the birth parent will not legally give up the child and the law in Japan will not make them do it. So these children are caught in limbo. I think Japan should take care of the children they have first. When someone agrees to adopt, offer them free homes in the villages had need more people. That will take care of two problems. Moving people out of the crowded cities and helping the childen find parents.

[@GuilFernandes]

I'm not japanese in any way, but it is unnerving seeing you guys living such a heavy situation! Hope that you guys find a way to surpass this situation!

[@escapegulag4317]

abandon western values and the country will recover.

[@GuilFernandes]

@escapegulag4317 i don't know enough about Japan to discuss this. You may be wrong, but you may be right.

[@KeroVlog]

I heard from a friend that lives in Japan (may or may not be true) that in Japan when a couple gets married or divorced they get into a public database family registration. This affectes women very significantly as employers tend to discriminate against divorced women and single mothers. Men on the otherside are less usually affected. This is one of the roots of the issue as women know that if the get married and the marriage doesn't work it would affect greatly their career.

[@nospoon3822]

Feminism ruined the west and now it's coming for asia too, everyone becomes miserable when women refuses to do their part in the society including woman.

[@dklee.01]

wtf !!!

[@RabbitShirak]

Sounds like Japan alright.

[@ellenhenderson6865]

So the government tracks them? Omg…

[@erickolb8581]

This is how it sorta works for men in America, but I imagine Japanese women are under a lot more pressure from society. Within the past month I have been asked by a couple companies if I had children. They wouldn't have helped me if I had said yes. That's mostly because of the finances that go along with raising a household. I see a lot of these larger international companies "hoarding" money from the general population only because they cannot complete their projects. It affects everyone.

[@mayfan]

The third older gentleman, was a surprise his thoughts and explanation was very interesting it would be great to hear more about. It's sad that in correlation with the decreasing population a lot of the care put into preserving Japanese culture also diminishes. As more and more people are leaving or unable to take on the job of caring for those things the loss of many beautiful and meaningful places continues.

[@ellenachavez6492]

I like your interviews. I've never been to japan , but I watch a lot of NHK, and they have very interesting episodes there. I worry about Japan's old way of governing hurts the people of Japan! They should be more open to foreigners wanting to live there. It will help the economy.