Old Style Gavin, pre March 2005 (Not Peak-Oil Aware)

Just read this. Christ, Japan is in a bit of a mess with regards to the birth rate. Story here and here.
If this keeps happening, then Japan’s ageing population is really going to cause problems for the Pension System.

New Style Gavin, post March 2005 (Peak-Oil Aware)

… mind you, in a world with dwindling resources, maybe it’s best for Japan to have a smaller population. Especially if the place is only 40% self-sufficient when it comes to food production!
Anyway, if there were food shortages, and lack of fuel for heating, it will be all the old-folks dying off first anyway. That will solve the pension problem!

Update

Crickey, Tokyo’s Birth rate is even lower!