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takyon [soylentnews.org] writes:

Japan suffers biggest natural population decline ever in 2018 [cnn.com]

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 [mhlw.go.jp] 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 [nbcnews.com]

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 [soylentnews.org]
Toyota's $392 Robot Baby for Japanese People Without Companions [soylentnews.org]
Gatebox: Your New Holographic AI Assistant "Waifu" [soylentnews.org]
Japan's Fertility Crisis is Creating Economic and Social Woes Never Seen Before [soylentnews.org]
Japan Has 1.48 Jobs for Every Applicant [soylentnews.org]
Why a Generation in Japan Is Facing a Lonely Death [soylentnews.org]

Related (CN): China's 'Missing Girls' Theory Likely Far Overblown, Study Shows [soylentnews.org]
China "Three-Child Policy" Hinted by Stamp Design? [soylentnews.org]

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