Facing a Demographic Crisis
I’ve spent decades studying the interplay between behavior, culture, and society, and Japan’s current birth rate crisis is one of the most alarming demographic challenges I’ve encountered.
With fertility rates plummeting to 1.2—far below the replacement rate of 2.1—the nation is aging rapidly and shrinking just as quickly.
The government has introduced numerous incentives: cash bonuses, parental leave policies, and even AI-powered matchmaking.
But these measures have failed.
I believe I know why.
Why Money Won’t Solve This
To many, it might seem logical to assume that financial stress is to blame.
But based on my research and observations, that’s not the case.
When Japan’s birth rate was high after World War II, people had far less wealth than they do today, yet they still had large families.
Clearly, something deeper has shifted.
I often say, “If you love kids, you’ll want them, no matter your bank account.”
What we’re seeing isn’t about economics—it’s about a profound transformation in values and character.
Polls confirm that Japan’s younger generations are increasingly uninterested in marriage and family.
That’s why I believe that to solve the crisis, we need to address the root cause: character.
The only way to do that effectively is through neuroscience.
The Culture Shift That’s Driving Decline
I’ve watched with concern as Japan has drifted away from traditional values toward hyper-individualism, consumerism, and emotional detachment.
Today, people are more likely to rent a boyfriend for a day or book a professional cuddle than seek out real, lasting relationships.
It’s symptomatic of a culture that’s forgotten how to connect on a deep, human level.
Some think the solution lies in legislation or subsidies, but I disagree.
I’ve seen firsthand that governments are not equipped to reshape deeply embedded cultural values.
Throwing money at the problem won’t restore what’s been lost.
The Growing Imbalance
The consequences of this cultural shift are now visible in Japan’s population structure.
Fewer young women means fewer births.
Even more troubling, the attitudes of the youth—those who should be building families—are becoming more disinterested in having children at all.
If trends continue, Japan’s birth rate could drop to levels similar to South Korea’s, which would be catastrophic for long-term sustainability.
Why I Believe Neuroscience Is the Answer
After years of research, I’ve become convinced that neuroscience holds the key.
My team has tested over a thousand compounds.
We’ve found 61 promising candidates that show potential to improve traits like long-term thinking, reduce addiction, and enhance mental resilience—all factors that affect one’s desire and readiness to form families.
Imagine if we could prove that someone is 10% more likely to recover from addiction or 5% less likely to experience suicidal ideation.
Pharmaceutical companies would jump in.
The potential is staggering, both in economic terms and in human impact.
How Japan Can Lead the Way
Japan has the wealth, the talent, and the scientific infrastructure to spearhead this revolution.
I’m ready to collaborate.
My research outlines the epigenetic pathways, the brain systems, and the drug candidates that could change everything.
A modest investment in an institute dedicated to this work could make a real difference—and quickly.
If we develop treatments that help people become less anxious, more community-minded, and more future-focused, the desire to build families will follow naturally.
It won’t be long before Japan sees a rise in birth rates, not because people are paid to reproduce, but because they want to.
A New Hope
This isn’t just about numbers.
It’s about creating a healthier, more connected, and more purposeful society.
If we can change the character, we can solve this crisis—and inspire the rest of the world while we’re at it.
To support or learn more about my work, including my upcoming book The Birth Rate Crisis, visit biohistory.org. I invite scientists, policymakers, and anyone concerned about our collective future to join me in this mission.