A Yale professor has suggested a mass suicide for seniors in Japan as a solution to the country’s aging population and high risk of poverty in old age. Japan has long had a low birth rate, leading to a continuously aging population. If the trend continues, 40% of the Japanese population will be 65 years or older by 2065. Yusuke Narita, a professor at Yale University and a native of Japan, proposed a mass suicide for seniors, referencing the historical ritual of Seppuku among Samurai, to solve the demographic problem. Narita has gained a cult following on social media due to his radical ideas, including the recent proposal for mass suicide.
Narita’s idea was first expressed in a talk show at the end of 2021, but it only gained international attention recently due to the internet. The professor has since tried to retract his statements, claiming that his words were taken out of context. He explained that he only wanted to highlight the increasing trend of pushing older people out of leadership positions in business and politics to make room for the younger generation. Narita’s growing popularity has caused concern in Japan, where the country is struggling with a declining birth rate and enormous national debt.
The challenges facing Japanese society are immense, and Narita’s proposal has sparked a debate about the country’s future. While some see his idea as a radical solution to a complex problem, others view it as a dangerous and insensitive suggestion. As the country continues to grapple with its demographic challenges, it remains to be seen what solutions will be proposed and implemented.
