I wholly think this is a purely western / consumerist perspective on Japan's current societal trends as it pertains to their country's population. Another way

I wholly think this is a purely western / consumerist perspective on Japan's current societal trends as it pertains to their country's population. Another way to look at this "reduction" in population growth is that now their infrastructure has reached a natural upper bounds of sustainability and is now adjusting. What is really negative about no longer needing to grow at exceeding rates to provide housing, healthcare and other basic services to their population? History has shown us that the Japanese welcome radical change with open arms and are willing to change their ways drastically if it benefits their nation. Both societally and economically. It's hard to say that Japanese culture has not made huge positive change from the time after WWII to current. They're using technology to solve these issues and may have to make more cultural change to continue operating a prosperous nation. I think it's disingenuous to see a slowing in growth or think that a nation that isn't embracing every single young person having kids is somehow deeply flawed and "doomed".