Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What comes to mind when you think of Japan?
- What do you think the role of older people is in Japanese society?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- citizen /SIT-uh-zuhn/
- highlight /HAHY-lahyt/
- boost /boost/
- economy /ih-KON-uh-mee/
- emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/
[noun] – a person who is a member of a particular country and who has rights because of being born there or because of being given rights, or a person who lives in a particular town or city
John was born in this country, so he is a proud citizen with all the rights and responsibilities.
[verb] – to attract attention to or emphasize something important
In her presentation, she used bright colors to highlight the key points, making them stand out.
[verb] – to increase or improve something
The government implemented a new policy to boost the country’s economy by encouraging investment.
[noun] – the system of trade and industry by which the wealth of a country is made and used
A strong and stable economy is vital for the prosperity of a nation and the well-being of its citizens.
[verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to
The teacher would often emphasize the importance of practice in mastering any skill.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Japan currently faces a critical situation, with over 10% of its citizens aged 80 or older. This highlights the ongoing issue of rapid aging and a declining birthrate. According to data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the elderly, aged 65 and above, now make up an unprecedented 29.1% of the population, making Japan a global leader in the percentage of elderly citizens. The challenges arise from the need to provide for the elderly in terms of pensions and healthcare, as deaths outnumber births. Japan’s high life expectancy only adds to this problem. To tackle labor shortages and boost the economy, the government encourages seniors and stay-at-home mothers to rejoin the workforce, resulting in a record 9.12 million elderly employees, which is over 13% of the national workforce.
Despite these efforts, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warns that Japan is on the brink of being unable to sustain essential social functions. He emphasizes the urgent need to support childrearing, making it the government’s top priority. This demographic challenge extends to neighboring countries like China, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan, all grappling with similar issues of declining birth rates and an aging population. Governments in these nations are under increasing pressure to find solutions that strike a balance between the needs of an aging society and the necessity to encourage younger generations to have more children.
Despite these efforts, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warns that Japan is on the brink of being unable to sustain essential social functions. He emphasizes the urgent need to support childrearing, making it the government’s top priority. This demographic challenge extends to neighboring countries like China, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan, all grappling with similar issues of declining birth rates and an aging population. Governments in these nations are under increasing pressure to find solutions that strike a balance between the needs of an aging society and the necessity to encourage younger generations to have more children.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- How significant is the aging population issue in Japan, with over 10% of its citizens being aged 80 or older? What are the key factors contributing to this situation?
- What are some of the challenges Japan faces in providing for its elderly population in terms of pensions and healthcare, especially given the high life expectancy in the country?
- How has the Japanese government attempted to address the labor shortages and boost the economy, and what impact have these efforts had on the workforce?
- Why does Prime Minister Fumio Kishida consider supporting childrearing as a top priority in Japan’s demographic challenge? How might this support help alleviate the aging population issue?
- How does Japan’s demographic challenge compare to similar issues faced by neighboring countries like China, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan? What commonalities and differences do you see in their approaches to addressing these challenges?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you or someone you know experienced the challenges of an aging population in your country or community? If yes, could you share some personal insights or stories about how this demographic shift has affected daily life and societal structures? If not, how do you think your region might address similar issues in the future, given the insights from this article about Japan’s aging population?
- Have you ever encountered initiatives or government policies in your country that encourage elderly individuals to rejoin the workforce? If yes, what were they, and how effective did you find them in addressing the challenges of an aging population? If not, based on Japan’s example, can you think of potential strategies that might help older citizens reenter the workforce in your region?
- Do you think Japan’s aging population is a significant issue that requires immediate attention?
- What are some potential long-term consequences for a country like Japan if it doesn’t effectively address its aging population and declining birthrate? How might these consequences extend beyond social and economic factors?
- Reflecting on Japan’s approach to encouraging seniors and stay-at-home mothers to rejoin the workforce, what are the ethical and social implications of such policies? How can a society strike a balance between economic needs and the well-being of its citizens, especially the elderly and families?