[oreally]

> So maybe there is no conflict, but it is hardly functional.

You do realize this is a pretty condescending and closed-minded statement to make no?

It's been said that any developing country going through accelerated economic improvement will have their birth rates reduced by quite a bit. That doesn't make it their society any less functional than say the NRA vs mass shootings, or political gridlocks between parties.

And last I heard Japan was opening up to foreign sources of labour. They are slowly changing their minds and adapting.

[keenreed]

In west birth rate declines because people have more options and want to enjoy life. That was not my experience in Japan. They have rigid culture of corporations, education, hard labor and over achievement. Some people just do not like that. There is no communication, because society does not like conflict!

US politics is other extreme, there is no communication, because society loves conflict! It will get started whenever and wherever possible.