The disguised blessings of Japan’s demographic decline

Business culture and employment prospects may undergo profound and beneficial change as the population shrinks

Life as the country knows it, lament various recent accounts, is in irrevocable peril. PHOTO: AFP
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At the age of 15, Akino Imanaka already boasts a fabulous resume.

She graduated – as all her teachers expected – at the top of her class, was the natural choice for student president, and was picked to represent Oteshima Junior High at countless prestige events.

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