Just saw this FT video on Japan's population crisis. Quite interesting. Seems like its an issue most countries are going to face in the coming decades, Japan just going through it first.
Have to say I'm impressed by full contact rugby by over 70's and 80's.
Very interesting. Thanks.
Just learned about this Vaccine…..hahaha
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As fertility rates fall a 'birth dearth' is spreading, write Anthony Browne and Richard Reeves
Sun 8 Aug 1999 13.22 EDT
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Even as the six billionth human is born, it's time to forget fears about the world being overpopulated. By the end of the next millennium, Tokyo will be a ghost town, and Japan will be empty. The country's population will be just 500 by the year 3000, and just one by 3500. When that person dies, the Japanese nation will be no more.
These apocalyptic predictions aren't the rantings of a doomsday cult, or of a maverick academic out to gain some publicity, but of the Japanese government itself. Its Ministry of Health and Welfare reports: 'If we dare make the calculation, Japan's population will be? about 500 people by the year 3000.'
Of course, a lot of things can change in 1,000 years. But what is frightening about the forecast is that it's a mathematical certainty if Japanese women carry on having just 1.4 children each on average - and if Japan doesn't change its immigration policy. If things continue as they are, the Japanese will die out. It's just a question of when.
Comic Gold
Holy thread resurrection Batman!
Such a fan of Japan.
Was recently listening to an economist talk about how China wants to move into a new era where they finally have best in position brands the way that the US, Germany, France, South Korea, Japan and others do.
He was talking about how a major issue China faces is not manufacturing capability, design, funds or distribution. Rather, their major battle is stigma because Chinese brands are seen as cheap and untrustworthy.
He was contrasting that to Japan who he says are on average probably the most trusted nation in terms of product confidence.
This is why you'll often hear people say weird things like the best pizza they've ever had was in Japan and why Japan randomly produce the world's best blackboard chalk. They just refuse to half arse anything they do.
Also saw a video about school meals in Japan recently. Every school has its own nutritionist. All meals a school kid eats at school are freshly prepared from scratch on the day and you simply don't see fat kids in that country.
I know it's not a perfect country and they do have some issues but, in my book, that little island has a lot to teach the world.
My grandson was there recently….his friend’s parents took them to one of the famous Tokyo restaurants. Seating for 8 people. The chef serves the meal and talks about the food….no other employees are visible. And apparently everything was exquisite.
A country that went off the rails once, but is now absolutely solid. I spent a little time there, but not in all the beautiful places. The one big downside is the earthquake risk.
And Japanese fans at the WC are getting high fives for cleaning up their area in the stands after the games and leaving it spotless.
...and they gave us the GSXR...probably their biggest achievement...the superbike...
...and they gave us the GSXR...probably their biggest achievement...the superbike...
I had both the 750 and the 1100 at various times….great bikes.
Just an aside, a while ago I watched on of these people on Youtube who document their day - in this case a Japanese fellow documenting a typical workday for him. Can't remember where but probably Tokyo or some big city. It was quite depressing. Getting the train to work, the incredible congestion of people. He books himself into a tiny cubicle about the size of a suitcase for the night because it's cheaper and easier than going home, eats a takeaway, sleep and then repeat the next day. There was one scene where a mass of similarly dressed people were slowly moving through a station or something. It resembled an army of robots in the uniformity of appearance and movement. Everything looked so clinical and clean and efficient but so devoid of life at the same time - and that includes the people. Conditioned to death is the phrase that springs to mind. Living like that has to kill something inside of you. Life on a conveyor belt.
Brilliant carmakers