Today, before I further talk about my life in Japan, I decided to post a dynamics of Japanese populations, especially from the points of IoT & digital.
I believe it’s important to share whom we are actually facing as we strategically consider the Japanese markets and their uniqueness from the overall markets’ perspectives.
In general, yes, the dynamism of Digital transformation has the privilege to drive the new way of life, living in Japan.
However, this is not the whole picture. As I put myself in environments where DX has taken a big place, I started facing some difficulties which remain that DX still has no impacts in reality.
That’s where there still a gap between us, depending on where we belong.
“According to the latest population statistics released on February 20, 2024, Japan’s total population is estimated to be approximately 123.99 million as of February 1, 2024. This represents a decrease of 640,000 people, or 0.51%, compared to the same period the previous year. Furthermore, the final figure for September 1, 2023, showed a total population of approximately 124.348 million, indicating a decrease of 623,000 people, or 0.50%, year-on-year.
A more detailed analysis by age group reveals further trends in this population decline. The population aged 15 and under decreased by 320,000 people (2.21%) year-on-year to 14.203 million. Meanwhile, the population aged 15 to 64 decreased by 283,000 people (0.38%) to 73.921 million, while the population aged 65 and over decreased by 21,000 people (0.06%) to 36.225 million. However, the population aged 75 and over increased by 725,000 people (3.76%) year-on-year to 20.22 million.
Additionally, the population of Japanese nationals decreased by 834,000 people (0.68%) year-on-year to approximately 121.27 million.
These figures highlight the complex demographic changes that Japan is facing. In particular, the high rate of decline among the younger generation and the significant increase in the population aged 75 and over have the potential to significantly impact future social security systems, the labor market, and the overall economy. These statistics will serve as important reference material for future policymaking and planning.”
Big Cities:
Have significantly higher concentrations of foreign residents. Major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama attract immigrants due to job opportunities and cultural centers.
Rural Areas:
Generally have smaller foreign populations.
Factors contributing to diversity Globalization:
International exchange of human resources and globalization of companies are accelerating the diversification of Japan.
Aging society with declining birthrate:
Japan’s aging population, Acceptance of foreign workers has become essential to compensate for the declining population and the need to build a multicultural society.
Multicultural conviviality policy:
Policies are being introduced to support the smooth life and social participation of foreign residents.
Economic revitalization:
Economic revitalization & Diverse human resource participation generates innovation and revitalizes the economy.
Revitalization of society:
Diverse values coexist. Society is enriched by the coexistence of diverse values.
(Reference here)
While we are facing these facts, it is now demanding that each of us utilize and segment where we live. This will determine the game changers of how we strive to build our lives within these communities.
