ABSTRACT
McDonald-1993 identifies two streams of theories to explain demographic transitions: the demand theory and fertility transition theories. Immigration policies have never been openly considered a strategy to cope with the demographic issue. A comparative view of the factors that have prompted the transition from a high to low birth rate society can cast some critical light on the current Japanese demographic situation. Roberts-2002 indicates that the advent of the twentieth century is marked by serious concerns about the future of Japan due to demographic trends: an ageing society grappling with 'the problem of low birth rates'. The demographic conundrum Japan faces is thus that fertility and life expectancy do not move in tandem, to the projected extent that current fertility rates would not allow for population replacement. Academic publications and research reports that highlight the implications of the current demographic conundrum populate bookshelves of libraries and bookstores.
