Ten municipalities in Fukuoka Prefecture now have populations in which more than 40% of residents are aged 65 or older, up from only Toho a decade ago. Prefectural data as of April 1 put the overall aging rate at 28.26%. Toho recorded the highest share at 48.66%, followed by Soeda at 46.33% and Kotake at 43.4%. Most municipalities above the 40% threshold are in the Chikuho area. Kasuya had the lowest rate at 18.34%, followed by Shingu at 20.03% and Fukuoka City at 22.4%. The prefectural capital added about 12,700 residents over the year, while Fukuoka Prefecture’s total population fell by roughly 10,000. The widening gap has intensified concerns about securing workers and maintaining services and infrastructure in smaller communities. Source: NHK News / Fukuoka Prefecture
Photo: Fukuoka Now
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