East Asia

Ageing Asian country

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We’re staying on government benefits for the Geo Quiz. We’re looking for country that’s heading into elections this weekend. This is a major industrialized nation that’s played a crucial role in the world economy over the past 60 years. It’s also a country that’s ageing – fast!

Here’s the problem. This country has one of the lowest birth rates in the world and the world’s highest life expectancy. So politics there is usually all about pensions and health care.

Well, young people there are sick of it. They want help with jobs and raising families. And one of their demands: more day care! The issue has struck such a chord that it may help defeat the party that’s held power for half a century.

We were looking for an industrialized powerhouse on the brink of political change. The answer is: Japan.

And on Sunday, Japan holds what could be an historic election. The opposition Democratic Party of Japan is threatening to end the ruling party’s five-decade hold on power. Both are trying to woo supporters by promising more help with child care. It’s a charged issue in a country struggling to boost its birth rate. Akiko Fujita reports.

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