Last week, over 1.26 million 20-year-olds celebrated Coming-of-Age Day in Japan in local ceremonies all over the country. This year's celebrations were special because the number of 20-year-olds increased. Last year saw a record low 1.21 million young adults coming of age. The increase was a welcome sign that Japan's aging population still has many young people ready to take up the new challenges of adulthood.

Unfortunately the upswing this year is only temporary. Demographic reports indicate that the number of 20-year-olds in Japan will fall. In 2020 there will be only 1.18 million turning 20. In 2025 even fewer, just 1.06 million, will become adults in that year's January celebration.

The downward trend is one that must be taken into consideration for all aspects of Japan's future. With over 25 percent of the Japanese population now 65 years or older, 20-year-olds this year make up just 0.99 percent of Japan's population. That hardly seems enough to fill the needs of the society and economy, much less continue to buoy the nation's pension system. In 2025, 20-year-olds will make up only 0.88 percent of the population.