Land of the Setting Sun, Part II
Japan’s birthrate continues to be in free fall, falling to a new low of only 1.29 children per woman over her reproductive lifetime. Only 1.11 million babies were born in 2004, the Japanese government admitted recently. Although Japan’s birthrate is still slightly higher than the lowest European birthrates, such as Italy’s, it does not have the ready access to immigrants that Europe has. As a result, it is Japan, not Europe, that is likely to be the test case for the most pressing question of the 21st Century: What happens to a country’s economy when its population begins to shrink?
The anemic Japanese birthrate is already sending shock waves through the Japanese economy, as investors realize what it implies for Japan’s long-term future. As the demand for new homes and apartments slows down, the construction sector is experiencing a decade-long slump. Companies are scrambling to hire enough young workers to replace the large numbers of workers nearing retirement age. Japan has always had an export-oriented economy, but the stagnant domestic market is forcing companies to work even harder to keep up exports. The collapse, when it comes, may come surprisingly quickly.
See the sources: “Birthrate hits record low: Under 1.29 in 2004,” Kyodo News, 2 June 2005, http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=1&id=339072
Japan’s low birthrate and aging population have caused a new problem: a shortage of students. Hagi International University recently filed for bankruptcy protection as it no longer had enough students to keep the university solvent. Hagi, with a 300-student capacity, has been able to draw only 42 students this year.
Japan’s birthrate is considered to be part of the problem. It saw a record low in 2004 for the fourth year. A Japanese woman in 2004 averaged 1.29 children, reports the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
See the source: “University in greying Japan goes under for lack of students,” 21 June 2005, Yahoo News
A Mother’s Sacrifice Ends in Life
Susan Torres, diagnosed with cancer, was kept on life support to allow her unborn baby to develop. The following is a statement from the Torres and Rollin families concerning the life of mother and baby read by Justin Torres at a news conference given by the family:
“As you know, at 8:18 a.m. on Tuesday, Susan Anne Catherine Torres was delivered by caesarean section at Virginia Hospital Center. This morning, she continues to do well in the NICU unit here at the hospital.
“Earlier this morning, after a brief goodbye with her husband, parents, and other family members, and after receiving the last sacraments of the Catholic Church, Susan Michelle Rollin Torres passed away after the machines, which sustained her life for the past 12 weeks, were turned off at my brother’s request. She was 26 years old.
“This is obviously a bittersweet time for our family. We are overjoyed at the birth of Baby Susan and deeply grieved at the loss of her mother. From the beginning, we knew that two things would get us through to the baby’s birth: God’s Providence and Susan’s determination. Susan was always the toughest person in that ICU room. Her passing is a testament to the truth that human life is a gift from God and that children are always to be fought for, even if life requires—as it did of Susan—the last full measure of devotion.
“We have many people to thank, starting with the doctors, staff, and most especially the nurses at Virginia Hospital Center. You have been innovative, flexible, and determined on our behalf, and walked every step of this journey with us. We are deeply grateful.
“We also must thank the many friends and family members who gave us their time, energy, and shoulders to lean on over the past 12 weeks. Our debt to you is lifelong.
“Finally, on behalf of my brother, I wish to thank the many thousands of people who have taken this story to heart, donated to the Susan M. Torres Fund, and most especially, sent us their prayers and best wishes. This family has literally been lifted up in prayer, and I can never express adequately our gratitude for the prayers and support we have received from people all over the globe. We could not have made it through this ordeal without you, and on behalf of my brother, my family, and the Rollin family, I wish to thank you and ask your continued prayers for the newest member of our family.”
See the source: “Statement from the Torres and Rollin Families Read at News Conferences Today,” 3 August 2005, Christian Communication Network
