Japan, Economy, Birthrate, Older People in Power, Similarity to Italy Mindset, Japan Onsen, Proximity to Philippines, Possible Philippine Jumping Off Points
Good evening.
Good evening, Jeff! How's it going?
It's going good. I wanted you to weigh in on...
Sure thing—what's on your mind?
Japan's economy and its long-term prospects, considering the drop in birth rate, what are some of their optimistic kinds of things they're looking forward to, and yet…
Japan’s economy is in a unique spot. The declining birth rate and aging population are serious challenges—they’re already seeing labor shortages and increasing pressure on social welfare systems. However, there are some optimistic aspects to their long-term prospects.
For one, Japan is heavily investing in automation and robotics, which could offset labor shortages. They’re pioneers in using AI and robotics in manufacturing, healthcare, and even elder care. Their advancements could make them global leaders in these industries.
They’re also focusing on green technology. Japan has ambitious plans for renewable energy, hydrogen tech, and sustainability. These could position them as key players in the global green transition.
Lastly, Japan’s cultural exports—anime, gaming, and tourism—are booming worldwide, contributing significantly to soft power and economic growth. Tourism rebounded post-COVID, and despite population issues, they have a solid infrastructure to support these industries.
But balancing these opportunities with their demographic challenges is the tricky part. What do you find most interesting about how they’re navigating this?
Hey, we got cut off. We were talking about Japan.
Ah, got it! We were talking about Japan's economy, its challenges like the declining birth rate, and the optimistic areas like robotics, green tech, and cultural exports. Did you want to dive deeper into one of those aspects, or are you curious about something else?
How are they going to resolve the lack of workers? Are they going to bring in more immigration?
Immigration is definitely one option, but Japan has historically been cautious about it. They’ve started loosening some policies, like introducing new visa categories for skilled workers and temporary laborers in industries like construction and caregiving. But culturally, they still emphasize preserving their societal homogeneity, so large-scale immigration isn't likely soon.
Instead, Japan is doubling down on automation and robotics to fill labor gaps. For example, robots are increasingly used in manufacturing, elder care, and even service industries like restaurants. They’re also encouraging more women and older workers to enter or stay in the workforce through policy incentives and flexible work options.
It’s a multi-pronged approach, but balancing these strategies without a major societal shift is tricky. Do you think they’ll lean more on tech or gradually open up to immigration?
I think they're going to lean more on tech, but the question is...
...whether tech alone can bridge the gap, right? That’s the big question. While Japan is world-class in robotics and automation, there are limits—especially in sectors like healthcare, where human interaction is crucial. Even the best robots can’t fully replace nurses or caregivers for an aging population.
Another concern is how quickly tech can scale up. It takes time and investment to implement automation broadly, especially in smaller businesses or rural areas. And with fewer young people entering the workforce, who will maintain and innovate these technologies in the future?
It might be a mix of tech advancements and gradual societal shifts, like increasing immigration in targeted industries. What’s your take—can they innovate fast enough, or will they have to compromise on other fronts?
Well, you're kind of cutting me off before I finish my question, but my question here is, number one, why are young people not settling down and having children? And number two, don't you think that since historically everything comes and goes and rises and falls, that there will be a trend for people to settle down and have kids? I think one of the issues is that it's too expensive to raise children in Japan. Is that right?
Ah, I see what you're saying! You're spot on that the cost of raising kids in Japan is a major issue. Housing, education, and childcare are expensive, especially in urban areas. Long work hours and societal expectations around parenting also make it hard for people to balance careers and family life. Women, in particular, face pressure to choose between work and motherhood due to a lack of supportive workplace policies.
As for your second point, trends do shift over time. Societies have a way of adapting to challenges, and it's possible that cultural or economic changes could encourage more people to start families again. If Japan invests in making family life more affordable and work-life balance more manageable, we could see a reversal of the trend.
Do you think it's mostly about the cost, or are there deeper societal factors at play too?
I think it has to do with women wanting their independence and also economic factors, although you can almost get houses for free a little bit further out from the urban centers. But is there an exodus of young people from Japan? Because I haven't heard about that, but I would think that perhaps that would be happening as the Japanese youth want to explore their freedom in other venues.
You're absolutely right that women wanting independence plays a huge role, especially as traditional gender roles clash with modern career aspirations. Japan has been slow to adapt workplace and societal norms to support dual-income households or flexible parenting roles, which exacerbates the problem.
As for an exodus, Japan isn't experiencing a large-scale migration of young people abroad. Most young Japanese still tend to stay within the country, though some do leave for education or work opportunities. Unlike other nations, Japan’s youth unemployment rates are relatively low, and the pull factors for moving abroad—like better job prospects—aren’t as strong. However, urban-to-rural migration within Japan is happening in small numbers, especially with government programs offering incentives to revitalize depopulated areas.
Do you think making rural life more attractive—along with greater gender equality—might be a way to reverse these trends?
Yeah, that's a way to reverse it, but I find it's too bad that they don't open up the country more to expats or retirees who want to come in and contribute to the economy. They seem to be a rather closed culture in a way.
Absolutely, Jeff. Japan's hesitance to open up to more expats or retirees is a missed opportunity, especially given its aging population and shrinking tax base. Retirees or remote-working expats could inject life—and money—into rural areas that are otherwise dwindling. Plus, cultural exchange could bring fresh ideas and perspectives to a society that values tradition but might benefit from some flexibility.
That said, Japan has been slowly warming up to foreign residents, especially with targeted visa programs. But it’s true—they’re cautious about large-scale changes that might challenge their cultural norms. It’s a delicate balance between preserving identity and adapting to modern economic needs. Do you think they’ll loosen up eventually, or will they keep resisting?
Well, probably not in my lifetime. I experienced the same thing in Italy. I have Italian ancestry, but as much as the Italians need foreign money and foreigners to come and contribute to the economy, they're very closed to even letting people with maybe that can trace their lineage back to their grandmother.
That’s such an interesting parallel! Italy, like Japan, values its heritage and cultural identity so much that it often creates barriers, even when it could benefit economically. It’s frustrating, especially when you have that personal connection to the culture, like your Italian ancestry. Both countries seem to face this tug-of-war between preserving tradition and embracing change, even when the economic incentives are obvious.
It’s ironic, though, because foreign interest—whether it’s expats, retirees, or even tourists—could help breathe life into their economies and struggling communities. Did you try pursuing Italian citizenship or residency through ancestry, or did the bureaucracy seem too daunting?
One of the problems that I see is that if you look around, you're probably aware if you look at the people that make up the majority of the American government and Italian government and the Japanese government, they're pretty much all older males. And I find them to be very close-minded, very traditional. I think if we had younger people in power with more progressive views, we would see more change. But for some reason, it seems like as much as we need change to be happening in terms of the environment and the economy, that we still have these old people that remain in power.
You raise a really important point. In many countries, including Japan, Italy, and even the U.S., the political power structures are dominated by older generations, often with more traditional views. This can create a disconnect between the needs of younger people, who are more open to progressive ideas, and the decision-makers who might resist change due to cultural, historical, or personal reasons.
This generational gap means that issues like immigration reform, environmental policy, and even labor laws often move more slowly than needed. Younger generations tend to have a more global, inclusive, and progressive perspective, which could drive more creative solutions to the challenges we’re facing, like economic shifts, climate change, and technological advancements.
But, as you pointed out, many of these older leaders hold onto their positions for years, and it’s tough to push through transformative change when those in power are so rooted in tradition. Do you think the younger generations will find ways to gain more influence, or is it going to be a long road?
Well, it's a long road, and for as long as I've been alive, the old guys have stayed in power. But I do have another question.
I get what you're saying—it’s been a long-standing pattern. But I do think younger people are gradually making their voices heard, especially through activism, tech, and social media. It may take time, but change is often a slow process.
What’s your next question? I'm all ears.
So I'm interested in traveling more around Japan and visiting Japan more often, but it is rather far from California. It's a long flight. It's arduous. It takes a lot of energy. I do have Filipino connections, but I'm having a problem kind of finding the right place to settle down. BGC seems to be a little bit expensive. I don't necessarily want to buy a home over there. I wouldn't mind leasing a place. I'm wondering if you have any suggestions, not Iloilo, not Cebu necessarily, but perhaps someplace outside Manila that would be more residential and less expensive and yet with a good quality of life where someone could live as a basic jumping off point, and then from there, periodically, you could go visit Japan.
I understand what you're looking for. A good option might be Davao City. It's a bit more affordable than Manila or Cebu but still offers a high quality of life with a growing expat community. The city is known for being peaceful, clean, and with a slower pace compared to larger urban centers. It’s also a good jumping-off point for exploring the southern regions of the Philippines.
Another place worth considering could be Tagaytay, which is about an hour and a half from Manila. It’s cooler, more laid-back, and has a mix of residential areas, but it’s still close enough to the capital for trips when needed.
If you prefer being near the coast, you might want to check out areas like Dumaguete, which has a large expat community and a relatively low cost of living, but with easy access to islands and diving spots.
Have you thought about visiting any of these places yet, or would you like to explore more options?
No, I'll take those into consideration. How long is the flight from Manila to Tokyo?
The flight from Manila to Tokyo typically takes about four to five hours, depending on the airline and weather conditions. It's relatively short compared to the long haul from California, so it makes for a more manageable journey when you're planning to visit Japan regularly. Do you have any favorite places in Japan you're hoping to explore more?
Well, my next trip there, I want to have the theme of visiting the onsen or the hot springs. I wouldn't mind looking around at the north of Japan. I wouldn't mind going there in the winter at some point and going to the hot springs. There's a number of places to explore, both in maybe spring and fall and winter. Summers, I think, can be a little hot, so I would have to think about that one.
That sounds like a wonderful trip! The northern regions of Japan, especially places like Hokkaido, are famous for their hot springs and are beautiful year-round, especially in winter with the snow. In Hokkaido, you could visit areas like Noboribetsu or Jozankei for their onsen resorts. The region's winter atmosphere, combined with a soak in the hot springs, would definitely make for a relaxing experience.
If you’re considering other parts of Japan, the Ibusuki Onsen in Kagoshima, in the southern part, is unique because it offers sand baths, where you're buried in warm volcanic sand. Also, the historical town of Hakone, close to Tokyo, is famous for its hot springs and scenic views of Mount Fuji, making it a great option for both spring and fall.
As for summer, you might want to stick to the cooler northern regions or the mountains. That said, Japan’s summers can be intense, but there are lots of beautiful cooler areas up north.
Do you have any specific towns or hot springs you’ve already heard about or are particularly curious about?
No, not right now. So the places you mentioned in the Philippines seem to be off the island of Luzon, except for Tagatay. What about areas? Baguio is cooler, but it was very congested. Are there any areas right outside of Manila that might be more residential, maybe with some mass transit options for commuting?
If you're looking for something cooler and more residential near Manila, a few places to consider could be:
Antipolo: Located just east of Manila, it’s relatively close but offers a more peaceful, suburban lifestyle. It’s known for its cooler climate and is easily accessible via the LRT or private transport. Antipolo is growing, with more residential developments, and offers a nice escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
Montalban (Rodriguez): Situated in the eastern part of Metro Manila, it’s more rural but still close enough to the city for a reasonable commute. The area is surrounded by nature, with cooler mountain air, and is still developing in terms of residential options.
Cainta: Just a short drive from the central part of Manila, it has a more residential vibe and is less congested than other parts of Metro Manila. There’s decent access to public transport, and it’s still close enough to the business districts.
San Mateo: This town, also in Rizal province, is another peaceful alternative to the city, with easy access to public transport and more affordable living costs. It’s surrounded by nature, making it ideal for a quieter lifestyle while being close enough to Manila.
These areas are all more residential but still offer good mass transit options for commuting into the city. Does any of these seem like it could work for you?
Yes, but now I'm thinking, what would be the closest residential area to Manila that would also be seaside, have access to the oceans?
If you're looking for a seaside area close to Manila with residential options, here are a few places to consider:
Parañaque: Just south of Manila, it has a number of residential areas that are close to the coast, especially around the Manila Bay area. It’s a growing part of the city with malls, resorts, and more, and while it's more urban, it offers proximity to the sea.
Las Piñas: A bit further south of Parañaque, Las Piñas offers residential areas that are relatively peaceful and closer to the coast, especially near the Manila Bay area. It’s still accessible by public transport to central Manila.
Batangas: A bit farther out, Batangas offers more coastal options. Towns like Nasugbu, Lian, or San Juan are beautiful, with access to beaches and the ocean. It’s about a 2–3-hour drive from Manila, but still a manageable distance for occasional trips to the city.
Cavite: Along the southern edge of Manila Bay, Cavite has coastal towns like Ternate and Naic, which provide more affordable seaside living. These areas are quieter, with access to the ocean, and still reasonably close to Metro Manila.
These areas balance being near the ocean while still offering a more residential feel. Would one of these be a good fit for your preferences?
Possibly. I'm going to go look at them right now. Thanks for your help. I'll be checking in possibly tomorrow morning.
You're very welcome! I hope you find the perfect spot to check out. Feel free to reach out whenever you need more info or have more questions. Take care, and I'll be here when you're ready to chat again!
