Japan is experiencing a significant population decline that has persisted for 15 years. The country, which had a peak population of 128 million in 2008, is projected to lose half of its residents by the end of the century. This demographic crisis poses serious challenges for Japan's economy, healthcare system, education, housing, and national defense.

In 2022, Japan recorded a troubling statistic: more than two deaths occurred for every new birth, resulting in a net loss of nearly one million people. The situation is so dire that the demand for adult diapers now surpasses that for baby diapers.

In Ichinono, a small village west of Kyoto, the population is just under 50. The village is adorned with 40 lifelike puppets, created by local puppet master Shinichi Murayama, who reflects on the loneliness of the area. "It's lonely here… Back in my day, the village was full of kids," he said. Murayama acknowledges that while the puppets bring some cheer, they cannot replace human companionship.

Taro Kono, a former high-ranking minister, emphasizes the urgency of the demographic crisis. "If there's no people living in Japan..." he stated, highlighting the interconnectedness of population issues with climate change and economic stability. Kono warned that the declining youth population will place increasing burdens on the younger generation, leading to societal breakdown and economic stagnation.

Japan's declining birth rate is attributed to various factors, including a successful workforce for women and a demanding work culture that complicates family life. Roland Kelts, a Japanese American writer, noted that the traditional practice of arranged marriages has diminished, with fewer than 500,000 couples marrying in 2023, the lowest figure since 1917.

The rise of solo dining and alternative romance, including relationships with fictional characters, reflects changing social norms. Akihiko Kondo, who married an anime character, represents a growing trend among millennials, with nearly half of singles aged 18-34 identifying as virgins.

In response to the crisis, the Tokyo government has initiated programs to encourage marriage and family formation. Governor Yuriko Koike announced a matchmaking app powered by artificial intelligence, which has seen a higher-than-expected number of applications. Additionally, a four-day workweek for government employees aims to support working mothers and increase birth rates.

Despite these efforts, experts like Hanako Okada, a former lawyer and mother, express skepticism about their effectiveness. "The total fertility rate for 2024 was reported to hit an all-time low," she said, indicating that current policies are failing to address the issue.

As Japan grapples with its demographic challenges, the future of the nation hangs in the balance, with policymakers striving to reverse the trend of declining birth rates.