It is a consistent trend that increasing levels of education and equality naturally (i.e., without external pressures such as a One Child Policy, extra taxation

It is a consistent trend that increasing levels of education and equality naturally (i.e., without external pressures such as a One Child Policy, extra taxation, etc.) reduce childbearing rates. On top of that, Japan's work culture of being more wedded & committed to work than to family strongly discourages it. When you are expected to work 12x6, then go out drinking with the boss, and still are living paycheck-to-paycheck it becomes very hard to see how you would have time to raise children. I've heard (PBS, no link now) abt studies where they reduced work hours in a town and fertility rapidly and significantly increased. Give people a little breathing room and you'll get kids.