Tokyo Dream: Young Women's Migration and Japan's Population Challenge

One of the challenges in addressing Japan's declining births is the large-scale migration of young women from rural areas to the Tokyo metropolitan area. Even in major government-designated cities, many women are still drawn to Tokyo. 

Once they move, factors such as the high cost of living discourage some women from getting married or starting a family. Meanwhile, as rural areas lose young women, the number of births continues to decline, creating a vicious cycle.

What motivates women to move to Tokyo in the first place? Ako Kita, who hails from Fukuoka, shares her story.

Seeking Independence

Ako Kita, 29, currently works at a restaurant in Shinjuku. She spent her childhood and university years in her hometown of Fukuoka City before moving to Tokyo in 2017. 

As the eldest of five siblings, she had long dreamed of independence after years of sharing a home with seven family members. 

While she considered job opportunities in Osaka and Nagoya, she ultimately decided on Tokyo. "I thought, 'If I'm going to move, I might as well go for the biggest city,'" explains Kita.

Fukuoka City has a population of over 1.6 million. It is the largest government-designated city in Kyushu, buzzing with fashion, food, and entertainment for young people. However, when Kita visited Tokyo's Harajuku, Shibuya, and Omotesando during her job search, she immediately noticed a striking difference from her hometown.

"I was thrilled to see all the latest shops I'd only ever seen on TV or in magazines — and to actually be able to visit them," she recalls. The vibrancy of the city was palpable, and she remembers thinking, "Every station felt as grand as Hakata Station," which is the largest railway terminal in Kyushu.

With her passion for interacting with people, Kita sought a job in sales. Her first role in Tokyo was at a used car dealership, followed by a position at a startup in the food delivery sector. Now, she is a full-time employee at a restaurant.

The Cost of Living

Kita is currently single and doesn't have a clear idea about marriage or starting a family. "I've always enjoyed living on my own. If I meet someone who feels right, I might consider it in the future," she says. 

While most of her friends back home are already married with children, she doesn't feel "any particular pressure" about it.

A survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications reveals that over 110,000 women in their twenties moved to Tokyo in 2023. There were 40,000 more women arriving than leaving. This reflects a significant annual influx of women in their prime childbearing years. 

In Japan, the number of children born to unmarried couples is very low, meaning that statistically, an increase in marriages directly boosts the number of births. This is why promoting marriage in Tokyo, where a significant portion of the population is concentrated, is seen as key to slowing the country's population decline. However, life in the capital has its challenges.

For example, according to a private research firm, the average price of a new apartment in Tokyo's 23 wards exceeded ¥100 million JPY (around $670,000 USD) in 2023. Rent prices have also risen sharply, making it difficult for young couples to secure spacious, family-friendly housing. 

Additionally, women who move to Tokyo often lack access to support from their parents or relatives back home. As a result, many face the challenges of parenting with minimal outside help.

Government Initiatives

Tokyo's declining births were a key issue during the July gubernatorial election. Yuriko Koike, who won her third term as governor, has emphasized the need to strengthen financial support for families by expanding free childcare to include the first child. This marks a shift from the current policy, which only covers the second child and beyond. 

While some welcome these measures, others argue that marriage and having children should be based on individual values and not something the government should actively promote.

Kita acknowledges the government's efforts, saying, "I understand that the government and local authorities are coming up with various ideas to appeal to younger people." However, she adds that it will still be a while before these issues feel personally relevant to her. 

Reconnecting with a Childhood Dream

That said, Kita has begun considering a career as a childcare worker. 

In Tokyo, many households have both parents working. Kita's interest in childcare grew after a friend mentioned the shortage of facilities where parents can leave their children, even for short periods. "I want to get my childcare certification so I can help meet this need on an occasional basis," she says.

Interestingly, becoming a childcare worker was Kita's childhood dream. "I've always loved kids," she reflects. While she knows that the risks associated with childbirth increase as she gets older, the high cost of living in Tokyo still makes marriage and having children feel unrealistic. Even so, she has no intention of returning to Fukuoka anytime soon.

"It's been seven years since I moved to Tokyo. Through the various people I've met here, I've found a clear goal. Right now, I feel it's the time to focus on work and self-improvement."

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(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Shoki Nakamura, The Sankei Shimbun