Gender Inequality and Rural Depopulation in Japan
Akita Prefecture in Japan is experiencing a significant decline in population, with the country's most aged population, lowest birthrate, and fastest declining population.
Rigid gender roles are contributing to this issue, as young women are leaving rural areas in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
This trend is part of a global phenomenon, as
people around the world are having fewer children as they make profoundly different decisions about their lives.
NPR's series, Population Shift: How Smaller Families Are Changing the World, explores the causes and implications of this trend.
In Akita Prefecture, traditional festivals like kanto showcase the region's unique culture, but also highlight the rigid gender roles that persist, with
only men allowed to touch the polesin this centuries-old display of strength and skill.
Author's summary: Japan's rural depopulation is accelerated by gender inequality.
- Akita Prefecture has the most aged population in Japan.
- The lowest birthrate and fastest declining population are also found in Akita Prefecture.
- Young women are leaving rural areas for better opportunities.