The Indicator from Planet Money

How Japan is trying to solve the problem of shrinking villages

The once-thriving Japanese hamlet of Nanmoku was known for its silk and timber industries. Today, it is the country's most aged village, with two-thirds of residents over age 65. On today's show, how the Japanese government is trying to address rural depopulation and attract younger residents to villages like Nanmoku. Related listening: Japan had a vibrant economy. Then it fell into a slump for 30 years (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?i=1000651585752">Apple</a> / <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Fz5pOsjqhDRGkagCzVIhd?si=MhFq3vPsSCm_2yp5ujYgZw">Spotify</a>) <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2018/07/16/629586025/japan-s-ninja-shortage">Japan's ninja shortage</a> For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/">plus.npr.org</a>. Music by <a href="https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/">Drop Electric</a>. Find us: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money">Newsletter</a>. Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

A bite-sized show about big ideas. From the people who make Planet Money, The Indicator helps you make sense of what's happening in today's economy. It's a quick hit of insight into money, work, and business. Monday through Friday, in 10 minutes or less.