Gender Inequality and Rural Depopulation in Japan
Akita Prefecture in Japan is facing significant demographic challenges, including the most aged population, lowest birthrate, and fastest declining population.
The rigid gender roles in rural areas are driving young women to leave in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
This trend is part of a larger global phenomenon, as
people make profoundly different decisions about their lives, leading to fewer children and changing population dynamics.
NPR's series, Population Shift: How Smaller Families Are Changing the World, explores the causes and implications of this trend.
In Akita Prefecture, traditional festivals like kanto showcase the region's unique culture, but also highlight the traditional gender roles, where
only men are allowed to touch the polesused in the ceremony.
Author's summary: Japan's rural depopulation is accelerated by gender inequality.