"Shape of the Nation" in the Age of Population Decline and Knowledge Information Society

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, Japan's national strength has declined relatively due to its inefficient land structure and declining ability to respond to environmental changes, and social disparities have widened. Despite the fact that the land and social infrastructure of Japan have been developed, and the country is a peaceful cultural and economic powerhouse, there are many people who are frightened by the uncertainty of the economic future, the declining population, and the declining birthrate and aging population. In this environment, Japan can choose among three directions to move forward: (A) to grow and maintain world-class economic and political power, (B) to prioritize the happiness of the people over international economic power, and (C) to achieve both (A) and (B) as in the past. The author chooses (B) and believes that the people of Japan should work together to rebuild the shape of the nation.