Uiseong County and Nagi Town of Japan Exchange Low Birth Rate Policies, Seek Solutions to Population Crisis

Uiseong County and Nagi Town, Japan
Seeking Solutions to the Population Crisis through Policy Exchange on Overcoming Low Birth Rates

Uiseong County in North Gyeongsang Province (Governor Kim Jusu) announced on July 27 that the mayor of Nagi Town, a local government in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, along with related officials, visited Uiseong to hold an exchange focused on policies to overcome low birth rates.

Uiseong County, Gyeongbuk - Nagi Elementary School in Japan Seek Solutions to Population Crisis through Policy Exchange to Overcome Low Birthrate.

This exchange followed the "Nagi Town Low Birth Rate Overcoming Best Practices Seminar" held at the North Gyeongsang Provincial Office on July 24, where the mayor of Nagi Town presented Japan's successful strategies for addressing low birth rates. The visit was organized to allow the delegation to directly observe Uiseong County's policy sites and discuss practical cooperation measures.

Nagi Town is recognized as a model case for overcoming low birth rates in Japan through several initiatives: providing childbirth celebration grants; offering prenatal and postnatal care services; implementing free school meals and free education; operating the "Nagi Child Home" as a central childcare facility; supplying rental housing to promote settlement; and supporting youth employment projects. In particular, the town drew nationwide attention in 2019 by recording a total fertility rate of 2.95.

Among these, the "Nagi Child Home" serves as a space where families raising children can freely interact and consult with one another. It is notable for forming a resident-led, voluntary care network and establishing a community-based childcare support system.

This is evaluated as a case that demonstrates the importance of long-term investment for future generations and the creation of a child-friendly environment, going beyond simple financial support.

On this day, both sides exchanged in-depth opinions on topics such as improving conditions for young people to settle, expanding childcare support, and implementing region-specific policy strategies. They also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation for sustainable population policies.

Kim Jusu, Governor of Uiseong County, stated, "Although Nagi Town is a small local government, it is effectively addressing the low birth rate issue through close cooperation with residents and systematic childcare and education policies. Uiseong County will also further strengthen its policy capabilities to create a better environment for having and raising children."

Uiseong County plans to use this exchange as an opportunity to closely analyze Japan's successful cases and to meticulously design and implement population policies tailored to local conditions.