Population Pyramid 2000 |
Population (1000) |
Figure 1-4-2 |
Population Pyramid 1950 |
Population (1000) |
Figure 1-4-1 |
The population composition has changed rapidly in the past 50 years, and the future projections are not good for the country. In figure 1-4-1, it can be clearly seen how large was the change in population under 5 years in the 1950’s. The population pyramid for 2000 (figure 1-4-2) shows the aging of this large group of people. They were economically active during the boom period, when the Japanese economy grew at an unprecedented rate. However, they are now reaching the retirement age and are posing a problem to the society.
Population Pyramid 2050 |
Population (1000) |
Figure 1-4-3 |
Even though one more higher rise is visible on the pyramid, in the 1970’s, the amount of people entering the work force will not be large enough to offset the first group of retirees. The prospect of population composition for the year 2050 is not very good for Japan, because the pyramid becomes a reverse one, with more older people than young ones (figure 1-4-3). More and more people will live to be over hundred, and fewer children will be born.
