To read this content please select one of the options below:

Population ageing and economic growth in Japan

Mikiko Oliver (Department of Demography, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States.)

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy

ISSN: 0144-333X

Article publication date: 12 October 2015

6215

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine how population ageing is related to economic growth as measured by real GDP per capita in Japan. This study is to address the following questions: first, how is population composition by age group related to economic change? Second, how is the dependency ratio related to economic change? And finally, what are the predictions for economic growth in the future? This study answers these questions in relation to Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression methods were applied to single-country data for the period 1975-2011.

Findings

This study finds that an increase in the 70-74 population age group is associated with a decrease in economic growth, while an increase in the 75 and over population age group is associated with an increase in economic growth in Japan.

Research limitations/implications

The relationships that were found in this study do not imply causation from demographic change to economic change.

Practical implications

One potential way of promoting sustainable economic growth under conditions of population ageing is to devise a comprehensive policy that focuses on demographic factors.

Originality/value

This study analyses population ageing and economic growth in Japan using single-country data by applying regression methods.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The author would like to express his appreciation to Dr P. Johnelle Sparks, Dr Fathali Firoozi, Dr Jerome P. Keating, Dr Lloyd B. Potter, Dr René Zenteno, and anonymous reviewers. This study could not have been accomplished without their suggestions and comments.

Citation

Oliver, M. (2015), "Population ageing and economic growth in Japan", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 35 No. 11/12, pp. 841-863. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-02-2015-0018

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles