Books in the Population Studies of Japan series

This book presents original data on the proximate determinants of fertility in Japan. Further, it sheds new light on the similarities and differences between the fertility level in Japan and in other countries in terms of biodemographical components, helping readers understand the mechanisms of fertility change in Japan.

This principle of sustainable population indicates that the demographic transition must follow a logistic curve.Using a system dynamics approach, the author constructs a simulation model based on four major loops: fertility, reproduction timing, social capital accumulation, and lifespan.

Finally, the historical relationships among women's survival rates at reproductive age, the theoretical fertility rate to maintain the replacement level and the recorded total fertility rate (TFR) were analyzed.

The overarching objective of this book is to summarize, extend, and update previous research on educational differences in family behavior in Japan.

This book focuses on the links between family, education, and employment systems in the Asian developed economies, proposing that these three systems and their interrelations are powerful factors causing the low fertility in Asia.The phenomenon of low fertility has been widely observed in developed countries, and the birthrate in Asian countries is among the lowest in the world. Although these countries have implemented measures to counter the falling birthrate, the expected effect has not yet been achieved. Moreover, Asia has seen a rapid decrease in the number of marriages. To promote effective countermeasures, it is necessary to clarify the factors influencing the low birthrate and decline in the number of marriages. Based on a statistical analysis of survey results mainly from Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, this book discusses several important points. First, because the family system is strong, cohabitation and children born to single mothers are not socially accepted. Further, mothers play a strong role in fulfilling expectations for children's education. Second, the popularization of higher education and intense academic competition, which have been a driving force for rapid economic growth, have led to many parents opting to have fewer children, as the cost of education is high. Lastly, wage disparity is large and employment stability is a matter of concern. These factors increase competition within education and, in turn, make it difficult for the young generation to choose marriage. Within the employment environment, balancing work and family life is problematical, especially for women.

Analyzing the relation between population factors and technological progress is the main purpose of this book. The increase in technological progress, which is measured as total factor productivity (TFP), is realized both by improvements in productivity in the short term and by economic developments in the long term.

After a rapid decline shortly after the war, in which fertility was halved in one decade from 4.5 children per woman in 1947 to 2.1 in 1957, Japan's fertility started to decline to below-replacement levels in the mid-1970s, reaching 1.3 per woman in the early 2000s.

This book describes the low fertility status in three developed Asian countries-Japan, South Korea, and Singapore-and outlines countermeasures for their declining birthrates.

This book interprets and explains contemporary population issues from historical and cultural perspectives. These include lowest-low fertility in the Republic of Korea and Taiwan, early population aging in China relative to the developmental level, and various modes of domestic and international migration in the region.