• A Declining Birthrate and an Aging Population Japan's population is expected to decrease by about two-thirds within 50 years. According to the Japanese National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, in 2048-just 32 years' time-Japan's population is projected to fall below 100 million people; while over the next 50 years, the nation will lose one third of its population. The productive age population (between 15 and 64 years old) will continue to decrease. In 2060, one out of every 2.5 people will be 65 years old or older. In view of such drastic changes in Japan's population structure in years to come, Ritsumeikan researchers are studying the issue from a variety of approaches and offering solutions and a bright future.