The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications announced that the population of Japan decreased by 556,000 from the previous year, marking the 12th consecutive year of population decline. With a total population of about 120 million, it ranks 11th in the world, and there are 195 countries in the world (the number of countries recognized by Japan), so it can be said that it is ranked quite high.
Population is considered to be a country’s potential, so if you think about it from that perspective, you may be able to judge that Japan still has a lot of potential, but the problem is the population ratio by age. Ideally, it should be a pyramid shape with less birthrates, but thanks to advances in the medical system, life expectancy is increasing and the percentage of elderly people is increasing. The ratio is high, so it is possible to avoid an inverted pyramid with many elderly people, but if this trend continues in the not too distant future, there is a possibility that one young person will support three elderly people, which will shake the foundations of the country. can be said to be high.
Therefore, the government finally took a heavy back and started to take measures against the declining birthrate. For example, even if the amount of the subsidy for childbirth allowance is increased, if the hospital raises the cost of childbirth accordingly, the deduction will be zero. It is undeniable that the worst deal will increase. If we want to raise the birth rate, we can reduce the anxiety of having children considerably even among the younger generation, who are worried about the cost of childbirth, if the costs related to childbirth are covered by insurance or all costs are borne by the government.
Australia is well protected
The land area of Australia is about 20 times that of Japan, but the population is about the same as Tokyo. The country is actively supporting child-rearing in order to increase national power. For example, Australian nationals and permanent residents are covered by Japan’s national health insurance called Medicare. If you hold this card, all medical examinations at public medical institutions are basically free, and private medical institutions also provide partial support.
Subsidies and support are also very substantial, subsidies for childbirth, subsidies for childcare leave for up to 18 weeks, subsidies for fathers and partners for 2 weeks, family tax benefits for children is paid every two weeks until the child reaches the age of 19.
In addition, if the child attends a daycare, etc., it will also be fully exempted if it is a government-certified facility. In addition, when grandparents take care of their grandchildren, it depends on how much they take care of their grandchildren, but depending on the conditions, they may also be eligible for subsidies.
In addition to public support, private playgroups are also very substantial. Participation is possible at a low cost of about 3 dollars, and various exchanges and advice are provided. We are able to provide sufficient support in any situation.
Japan is finally starting to allow parental leave, but in Australia parental leave is commonplace and far ahead of Japan.
Employees are entitled to a maximum of 12 months of parental leave, which can be extended for up to another 12 months upon application. In addition, the company operates a kindergarten for its employees, and has a well-developed welfare program that allows employees to leave their children with peace of mind.
After taking measures against the declining birthrate so far, it will be possible to change the population ratio pyramid.
