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Nagi is a town in north of Okayama prefecture, with a population of only 5,700 people.

 

With agriculture as the main regional industry, Nagi looks like any other rural town in Japan, but it is the place that has one of the highest birthrate in Japan

 

In 2005, Nagi’s total fertility rate was only 1.41, but by 2014, it skyrocketed to 2.8. Then by 2019, it hit a record high of 2.95.

 

Back in 2002, worried about ageing and depopulation, the town made a bold decision: Invest everything into children and young families.

 

Here’s what they introduced:

・Baby bonuses: giving parents ¥100,000 yen for the first child, then around ¥150,000 upon having a second child (¥200,000 for the third, ¥300,000 for the forth, ¥400,000 for the fifth)

・Free healthcare: All the way through high school.

・Subsidised family housing: 3-bedroom homes for just ¥50,000/month.

・Nagi child home (opened 2007): parenting support + super cheap childcare (¥200/hour!).

・More family-first policies added over time.

 

Nagi’s success is a reminder that with the right support, small towns can lead big change

 

Source: Asashi News, Setonaikai Broadcasting