For Japan’s ageing football players, 80 is the new 50
Al JazeeraJUL 2023
Japan: Diaper Maker Shifts From Babies to Adults
Image copyright: Tomohiro Ohsumi/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Japan's aging society confronts policy shifts, emphasizing social structures and mental well-being for seniors. Many Japanese seniors remain active through work, hobbies, and community engagement, promoting cognitive health and quality of life. Many challenge stereotypes with humor, reflecting a cultural shift towards embracing aging gracefully beyond traditional health practices.
Narrative B
Japan's demographic shift reflects broader global changes, including declining birth rates. Investors can leverage such insights by understanding demographic shifts globally, like the wealth transition from Baby Boomers to Gen Z in emerging markets like China. The resultant consumer behavior can be road signs for healthcare, athleisure wear, and plant-based foods, emphasizing the need for nuanced, data-driven analysis in investment strategies.
Narrative C
Falling birth rates in countries like Japan and China pose economic challenges. The world, in general, is expected to arrive at a demographic tipping point by 2050, impacting age distribution and economic growth. Pro-natalist policies, though attempted, face limited success. International migration mitigates demographic challenges in high-income countries but isn't a long-term solution. Low fertility rates may lead to severe global consequences, emphasizing the urgency for comprehensive solutions.