Mass suicide of the elderly to solve the economic problems associated with the aging population. The provocative solution proposed by Yale University economics professor Yusuke Narita for Japan is causing controversy around the world. Combined with their predictions about euthanasia that may be made “mandatory” in the future. So what’s behind these claims?
Narita’s theories gained international fame after a lengthy New York Times article on Sunday. But the professor’s popularity among insiders had grown for some time. Narita likes to reason with provocations. And so, in an interview in 2021, when asked how to deal with the increasing aging of the Japanese population (dynamics similar to what we saw in Italy), the economist relented: “I feel the only solution is clear. Enough is enough,” which was popular with dishonest samurai in the 19th century. “mass suicide” through the ritual act of gutting “seppuku”. “Whether that’s a good thing or not, that’s a harder question to answer,” he said to a student who asked him about this theory after a while.
Narita’s words about euthanasia were also quoted: “The possibility of making it mandatory in the future – he said in an interview – will be discussed sooner or later”. The professor also cited the condition of her mother, who had an aneurysm when she was 19, and said she spends 100,000 yen, about 700 euros a month, to treat her. The issue of euthanasia is hotly debated in Japan, and some polls show that the majority of the population supports the legalization of voluntary euthanasia. But what is necessary is the material of a despotic film: “I do not support his introduction – Narita defended herself – I only foresee that there will be more talk in the future”.
The same goes for the mass suicide of the elderly: “I should have been more careful,” he said recently, referring to his suggestion of “seppuku.” “After some self-reflection, I stopped using those kinds of words,” he added. However, the fact remains that their provocation has somehow reopened the debate about the problems of Japan and a significant part of Western society more generally. Narita has “hundreds of thousands of followers on social media”, the New York Times reported, many of whom are “frustrated young Japanese who believe their economic progress is being hindered by a gerontocratic society.”
Narita is not the only “voice” of this world looking at the old-young dichotomy. And among politicians, pension reform and changes in social welfare have become more and more central topics of discussion. “There are criticisms that the old are getting too much money for retirement and the young are supporting all the old, including the rich,” said Shun Otokita, 39, a right-wing MP in Japan’s parliament.
Others point out that Narita is adept at highlighting the burden of an aging population without proposing realistic policies that could alleviate the problem. . “Things that can really rejuvenate Japanese society,” he added. Without resorting to mass suicides or forced euthanasia.
Source: Today IT
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
