Source:
https://scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2176650/japans-ageing-population-how-two-neighbouring-towns-illustrate
Asia/ East Asia

Japan’s ageing population: how two neighbouring towns illustrate demographic challenges

  • In Sakura, the ageing population is dropping every year, as the city struggles to attract new businesses
  • But in Inzai, the next town over, new developments have brought in young families
Katsuya Kodama prays in front of an altar for his late wife. Photo: Reuters

Katsuya Kodama’s wife died two years ago, and the 77-year-old keeps her ashes on a Buddhist altar in their suburban Tokyo home.

“I talk to her morning and night, tell her everything,” he said. “I sit on the chair she used in the bath while ill. Sitting where she sat makes me feel close to her.”