Notes:
the falling birthrate and the aging population: 少子高齢化;
estimate: 見積もる、予測する;
tax burden: 税負担;
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Can you imagine Japan in 50 years’ time?
The Japanese population will continue to decrease because of the falling birthrate and an aging population. Currently, the Japanese population is about 130 million. But it is estimated that the Japanese population will be about 100 million in 30 years, falling to about 86 million in 50 years. Because 40 percent of the Japanese population will be elderly and the number of workers will decrease, the tax burden will become a serious problem. I will be 70 in 50 years’ time. I want to act now so that something can be done for the children of the future! (written by student Miss Ikeda, edited by Prof. Simon Smith)
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