January 4, 2023
While Japan's total population is 126 million, there is city in particular that has developed an overcrowding problem.
In an effort to implement population control in Tokyo, the Japanese government is offering families 1 million yen ($7500 USD) per child to leave the populous city. The offer applies to children 18 years and younger and over 18 while attending high school. The new incentive will be available starting in April of this year.
As of 2021 Tokyo's population accounts for roughly 10% of the country's total population (14 million), with more people moving in than out of the capital. It has become extremely overcrowded over the years with over 600 persons per square kilometer and home to over 6 million households (1.94 person per household), as at 2015.
People are also seeking a more urban way of living. Between 1955 and 2020, 91% of the country's population has become urban, leaving only 10% residing in rural areas. With this type of great migration, surrounding and rural areas have become desolate with vacant homes being given away.
After years of consistent growth Japan's population has been experiencing a yearly decline since 2015. In 2020 the change in population was a decrease by 30% , in large part to low fertility rates. There is 1.4 live births for every woman, a decline from 3 live births in 1955. The country's population is also aging with a median age of 48.4 years, a number that has consistently increased every year since 1955 (23.6 years).
However, given these factors Tokyo still disproportionally remains the largest city in Japan due to its variety of entertainment, nationwide transport system, economic opportunities and being a major fashion hub. In comparison the second largest city, Yokohama, has roughly 3 million inhabitants (5 million less than the capital).
This isn't the first time a program like this has been extended to its citizens. Similar incentives have been put in place as early as 2019, offering people money to relocate where they can work or start new businesses or continue to seek employment in Tokyo.
Cover Image, Freepik
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