Pets replace children in Japan

[Monseratto]

Pets replace children in Japan

Monday, 18 June 2012 13:19 BusinessDay Staff

Japan’s population is aging and shrinking faster than first thought, according to latest estimates.

Reports today suggested there are now more pets in Japan than children under fifteen; with pets especially dogs taking the place of children because Japanese are either too busy to find time for a family or they believe they simply cannot afford one given the worsening economic situation.

While the birthrate has been falling dramatically and the average age of Japan's population has been steadily climbing, Japan has become a pet superpower. Official estimates put the pet population at 22 million or more, but there are only 16.6 million children under 15.

Estimates show Japan’s population of 127 million could shrink by as much as a third by 2060.