Japan is facing a major demographic challenge: its population is aging rapidly, with 28% of its population being over 65 years old. This phenomenon has been caused by declining fertility rates, increased life expectancy and changes in social norms. It has had an impact on the economy, healthcare system, education system and workforce, resulting in slower economic growth, higher public spending on healthcare and social security programs, overcrowding at schools and pressure on employers to provide jobs for an increasingly older workforce. The Japanese government has implemented various policies to address these issues.