Miracle Town: Nagi Boosts Births with Support

The town of Nagi in Okayama Prefecture has gained international attention for its exceptional total fertility rate, reaching 2.95 in 2019 and consistently staying above two. This success is attributed to its distinctive child-rearing support measures implemented after the town chose to remain independent during municipal mergers in the Heisei era (1989-2019).

Nagi Child Home, established in 2007, serves as a vital community hub. It offers activities like 'munch-munch time' for parents and infants, temporary childcare, and a platform for information exchange. Staff and volunteers create a welcoming environment, promoting mutual support among residents.

Economic support includes a 100,000-yen bonus per child and coverage of educational expenses through high school. The town also subsidizes commuting costs for students attending schools outside Nagi and has expanded English language instruction for infants. Furthermore, initiatives like Shigoto Konbini facilitate flexible work opportunities for parents and seniors.

Mayor Masachika Oku stated that enhancing child-rearing support is crucial for the town's survival. These sustained efforts have yielded significant demographic results, making Nagi a celebrated example of successful community-led population strategy.