In Japan, the average birth rate has
remained at an extremely low level
for a prolonged period. Consequently,
the population is shrinking and the
elderly population is expected to
grow rapidly. In 2010, 23% percent
of the Japanese population of was
age 65 or older. In 2040, it is expected
that 36.1% of the population will
be in this age group. Provincial
cities are expected to face a rapid
population decline in the future, and
the populations of prefectural capital
cities in particular are expected
to decline by some 20% in 2040
compared to 2010. In addition, it is
anticipated that many cities will face
rising maintenance, management and
upgrade costs as their infrastructure
rapidly deteriorates.