SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
Japan suffers biggest natural population decline ever in 2018
Japan suffered its biggest natural population decline ever this year, government statistics show.
The fast-graying nation also posted a record-low birthrate, as the estimated number of babies born in 2018 dipped to 921,000 -- the lowest since records began in 1899 -- according to a report published Friday by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The number of newborns is estimated to have shrunk by 25,000 from 2017, and the figure remains under the 1 million mark for the third year running.
Deaths in 2018 also hit a postwar record high of 1.369 million, with a natural population decline of 448,000 -- the highest ever.
Beijing eyes two-child policy U-turn, but 'lonely generation' has moved on
For nearly 40 years, the Chinese government harshly restricted childbearing through the one-child rule in order to control population growth. That may soon change. Beijing appears to be on the cusp of abolishing all of its family planning rules — and is even encouraging young couples to have more children as a matter of patriotic urgency.
But attitudes toward parenthood have changed. Even though there is a two-child policy in place now, many Chinese still don't want to have more than one child — or any at all. "I think having one child is enough," said Chen Yiwen, a 25-year-old accountant and newlywed. "I won't be tempted to have more — even if the family planning policy is abolished." [...] "Besides, we already have two little babies — a poodle and a corgi," she said.
Related (JP): Japan Has Aged Out of its Economic Miracle
Toyota's $392 Robot Baby for Japanese People Without Companions
Gatebox: Your New Holographic AI Assistant "Waifu"
Japan's Fertility Crisis is Creating Economic and Social Woes Never Seen Before
Japan Has 1.48 Jobs for Every Applicant
Why a Generation in Japan Is Facing a Lonely Death
Related (CN): China's 'Missing Girls' Theory Likely Far Overblown, Study Shows
China "Three-Child Policy" Hinted by Stamp Design?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday December 24 2018, @11:52PM (10 children)
Stubborn, nationalistic and xenophobic leads to tentacle porn.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday December 25 2018, @12:07AM (7 children)
Proves that the Japanese had it right all along. Kick out the migrants, welcome the tentacles into every orifice.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Azuma Hazuki on Tuesday December 25 2018, @03:05AM (6 children)
In all seriousness, and yes I know this is amazingly apropos given my username, tentacles look like they could feel really good if they were being careful and more like their real-world counterparts. Real ones aren't really phallic; they kind of slide and slither and flex, more like a cross between tongues and fingers than a penis or dildo. I would definitely try them once if they could be guaranteed safe, gentle, and disease free. And, you know, not to turn me into a walking incubator for Cthulhu's grandchildren.
I am "that girl" your mother warned you about...
(Score: 2) by dry on Tuesday December 25 2018, @06:59AM (3 children)
The cold part wouldn't turn you off?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday December 25 2018, @07:18AM (2 children)
I don't see why they would have to be cold.
(Score: 2) by dry on Tuesday December 25 2018, @07:32AM (1 child)
I guess there might be some tropical species that are warm, but even at 20-30C, they'd still feel cool. In my experience, octopuses are cold and I don't see why squid would be different.
(Score: 1) by khallow on Tuesday December 25 2018, @05:17PM
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday December 25 2018, @09:46PM (1 child)
That's quite a weird way to hold a cross.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday December 26 2018, @09:08AM
They must have got a priest to try it
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday December 25 2018, @03:48AM (1 child)
Actually, it is the stupidly written obscenity laws thanks to the U.S. after WWII. The artist can't show certain acts between two existing species and can't show a penis on anything; the logical conclusion is to show fictional monsters with tentacles. That doesn't violate either of the provisions in the law.
(Score: 2, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday December 25 2018, @04:53AM
They do have a history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dream_of_the_Fisherman%27s_Wife [wikipedia.org]