Fertility aid, loans for single parents eyed to revive Japanese society

[yuiyoshida]

The government is drawing up measures to help revitalize Japanese society that includes expanded financial aid for fertility treatment and loan programs for single-parent households, sources close to the matter said Saturday.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is promoting “dynamic engagement of all citizens” to address the nation’s aging population and lower birthrates while struggling to keep the economy on a recovery path.

A panel of ministers and experts on such issues is expected to agree on the policy measures next week, the sources said.

In an attempt to raise the birthrate for couples hoping to have children, the government plans to raise subsidies for women receiving fertility treatment and also allow the cost of infertility treatment for men to be covered by the program.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/11/21/national/fertility-aid-loans-single-parents-eyed-revive-japanese-society/#.VlCMNV7E_Mp

[Marrah_G]

1. I have a question

Not sure if you know the answer, but I'll ask anyway Does the decline in birthrate have to do with the long working hours and the stress brought about from the constant need for perfection in the workplace?

[yuiyoshida]

2. I think that's part of it, but what I have heard is

Younger people view how their parents are. The father works long hours, and the mother is unhappy, and they think, do I wanta grow up and be the same way as my parents? So they decide its not worth it.. and many just don't want a life where work is more important than family.. why bother?

[Marrah_G]

3. I find that so sad

Makes me wonder what can be done to change things if the work environment doesn't change priorities. Family is so important, not just for procreation, but for the general wellbeing of human beings. We need those connections to others.

[linuxman]

4. Maybe they should look at taking in Syrian refugees.

It would increase their population through immigration, and later through increased birthrates compared to the Japanese.

[yuiyoshida]

6. Except for this...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12502927

[linuxman]

7. Charming.

Such a tolerant and progressive place...

[yuiyoshida]

9. For a long time in Japan's History

Christians were killed, and or run out of Japan, in fact, less than 1% of the population are Christian. Most are either Shinto Buddhist, or Atheist. There are some here on DU that would applaud that.

[linuxman]

10. I'd always heard of Japan as being a Xenophobic place,

But I had no idea as to the extent of that.

[yuiyoshida]

11. Japan has its plus and minus points...

like every other country in the world... I still love it, its culture, its music, its passion for perfection in making some of the best stuff in the world. I also have its dna in my veins..so I am a little biased.

[KitSileya]

5. Unless Japanese society becomes more equal,

Women will continue to choose freedom over stifled lives as drudges for their husbands and their families. They don't want to live the lives of their mothers, and men, who do want to live the life of their fathers, will continue having trouble finding women to marry.

[Octafish]

8. Japan and its people are treasures of -- and for -- all the world.

What Pablo Casals said...



"Every second we live is a new and unique moment for the universe, a moment that never was before and will never be again.

And what do we teach children in school? We teach them that two and two make four and that Paris is the capital of France.

When will we also teach them: Do you know what you are?

You are a Marvel. You are Unique. In all the world there is no other child exactly like you.

In the millions of years that have passed there has never been another child like you.

And look at your body what a wonder it is! Your legs, your arms, your cunning fingers, the way you move!

You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything.

Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel?

You must cherish one another. You must work. We all must work to make this world worthy of children."

-- Pablo Casals