The population problem : Japan / Answer in the Orient.

A film using examples of life in Japan which demonstrates how it has tackled rapid population growth post-war and delivered a high standard of living to its people. Footage illustrates the importance of fishing and how the land is intensively cultivated. Tokyo at the time was the largest city in the World; people are migrating to the city but due to the pace of industrialisation, there are still jobs for everyone. Trade is leading to prosperity. The social order is examined historically using Japanese prints. The reason why Japan militarised and expanded into neighbouring countries is examined. Post-war, the destruction was widespread although the birth-rate rose steeply (the atom bomb is not mentioned). According to the film, US intervention after the war led to equality. The age at marriage rates is high in comparison to other countries. To illustrate this, a young married couple are seen enjoying themselves. Education is held up as the route to economic prosperity. Health and welfare nurses visit people in their homes; there are programmes to help women shop more frugally and discuss contraception. It is pointed out that since abortion is considered to be 'traditional', it is not taboo (a sequence of a Japanese government information film is inserted which appears to illustrate its dangers). The young couple dramatise the difficult decision ahead of them whether to keep their baby (looking at winsome children playing) or continue to lead their carefree lifestyle.