Japan is a country of 14,125* islands, surrounded by sea on all sides. The population is approximately 123 million (June 2024). Due to its climatic conditions and geological structure, the country is prone to a variety of natural disasters and is one of the world's worst hit by typhoons and earthquakes. In addition, despite being considered a developed country, salary levels have not risen for decades, and the record depreciation of the yen has also had an impact, resulting in worsening poverty. In recent years, the problem of falling birthrates and an ageing population has accelerated, and it is estimated that by 2070 Japan's total population will fall below 90 million and the ageing rate will be at the 39% level*.