I was happy to see the June 19 editorial "Reversing the population decline." Much more needs to be done on this critical issue. I keep reading articles in business journals about how Japan needs more female CEOs, and I think, no, what Japan needs is more mothers.

Japanese culture is too distinctive and important to allow it to fade away. Yet, I meet many childless Japanese couples who seem passive and reconciled to population decline and ultimate extinction. This is madness. It is not too late to turn things around and I hope the Japanese can do it.

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.

joel t. smith