Mayor Sogo Yamana has a particular process at hand: attracting new residents of childbearing age to the Japanese city of Kamikawa — one in every of many cities in Japan which can be competing to offset their declining populations.
During the last 11 years, the nation's inhabitants has been shrinking. This yr noticed the largest decline on file, and based on some estimates, Japan's inhabitants might be minimize in half by the tip of this century.
The decline is clear in a few of the nation's rural areas, like Kamikawa, the place hundreds of properties have been deserted. Positioned about 350 miles west of Tokyo, its promoting factors are loads of house and pure magnificence — and authorities incentives.
Kamikawa, for the final six or seven years, has centered on drawing residents of child-bearing age, based on the mayor. One package deal is pitched to single mothers, who typically want additional assist.
"The city discovered me a job, a spot to stay and childcare in a supportive group," stated Yoko Murata, who moved to the city together with her two boys final yr. "And whereas I used to be getting a driver's license, the city employees even babysat for me."
Monetary burdens and a excessive value of residing have slowed beginning charges in Japan, which has the world's oldest inhabitants. A so-called world "intercourse recession" can also be contributing.
The Ueda household is exterior the norm. With 9 children — and a canine — they're one in every of Japan's largest households, and one of the crucial well-known. They've turn into actuality TV stars showcasing their overflowing residence and full of life household outings — fascinating to a rustic's with one of many world's lowest beginning charges.
"Some individuals cannot or will not have children. However I can and this nation wants youngsters, so I stored having extra," stated Eri Ueda, the mom of 9.