NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Narendra Modi
    Amit Shah
    Box Office Collection
    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
    OTT releases
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout

    India
    Business
    World
    Politics
    Sports
    Technology
    Entertainment
    Auto
    Lifestyle
    Inspirational
    Career
    Bengaluru
    Delhi
    Mumbai

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
    Home / News / World News / How adult diapers are changing Japan's economy 
    Summarize
    Next Article
    How adult diapers are changing Japan's economy 
    The adult diaper market was valued at $1.7 billion in 2023

    How adult diapers are changing Japan's economy 

    By Chanshimla Varah
    Jul 06, 2024
    01:19 pm

    What's the story

    When it comes to the aging population, Japan comes to mind, considering it has one of the highest life expectancies in the world.

    But behind this health marvel is a tale of neglect and abandonment of the elderly, and this ill-boding reminder is particularly seen in the demand for adult diapers.

    The demand has grown so much that Japanese diaper makers are opting to produce diapers exclusively for older adults rather than infant diapers.

    Market trends

    Rising global demand for adult diapers

    According to Euromonitor International, the global market value for adult diapers was $12.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach nearly $15.5 billion by 2026.

    Specifically, in Japan, the adult diaper market was valued at $1.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $1.9 billion by 2026, accounting for over 12% of the global total.

    Business adaptation

    Japanese companies adapt to aging population

    Adjusting to this demographic shift is Japanese manufacturer Oji Holdings, which announced in March that it would stop producing baby diapers for the Japanese market later this year, shifting its focus to adult incontinence products.

    However, it will continue to operate its overseas baby diaper business, as combined baby diaper sales in China, Indonesia, and Malaysia have increased despite a slowing domestic market.

    Senior-focused products

    Other Japanese firms catering to senior citizens

    Other Japanese companies, such as electronics giant Panasonic and kitchen appliance manufacturer Zojirushi, are also adjusting to the demographic shift.

    Panasonic has been researching and developing products aimed at the older population since 1990.

    Meanwhile, Zojirushi is offering product features for older folks, such as electric teapots that send an email to a registered address when in use, allowing families to monitor their elderly family members' activities.

    Overall, adult diaper sales have exceeded infant diaper sales since 2011 in Japan.

    Government measures

    Japan's response to aging population crisis

    While the demand for adult diapers has upped (which necessarily isn't a good thing), the same can't be said for infant diapers.

    Data show only 758,631 babies were born in Japan in 2023, a 5.1% decrease from the year before.

    Unfortunately, Japan is not alone in this maelstrom.

    Fertility rates have also declined in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea, the last of which has the world's lowest birth rate.

    Other countries

    Asian countries will have highest elderly population 

    As of September 2023, over 10% of Japan's population is aged 80 or older, according to the World Economic Forum, and this figure is expected to shrink a quarter by 2060.

    Globally, six Asian countries or territories will have the highest share of individuals aged 65 or older by 2050, with Hong Kong at the top of the list.

    By 2100, Africa is anticipated to be the only region where senior citizens make up less than 15% of the population.

    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Related News
    Latest
    Indonesia
    Japan
    Malaysia
    Panasonic

    Latest

    Suryakumar Yadav slams his 28th half-century in IPL: Key stats Suryakumar Yadav
    IPL 2025, GT vs LSG: Presenting key player match-ups  Indian Premier League (IPL)
    Kuldeep Yadav gets to 100 wickets in IPL: Key Stats Kuldeep Yadav
    India expels another Pakistan High Commission official; given 24-hour notice   Islamabad

    Indonesia

    5.6-magnitude earthquake rocks Indonesia; 56 dead, over 700 injured Earthquake
    Japan monitors tsunami possibilities as Indonesia's Semeru volcano erupts Japan
    Indonesian company becomes world's biggest stock with 1,600% gain Coal
    Cough syrup deaths: WHO urges countries to take immediate action World Health Organization

    Japan

    Tokyo's fashion districts offer a journey through style Paris
    Taste a slice of Osaka with its culinary specialties Travel And Tourism
    US to grant $6B to Micron for semiconductor chip production Asia
    Maruti Suzuki Swift earns 4-star safety rating in JNCAP test Maruti Suzuki

    Malaysia

    Teen kills self after Instagram-followers 'voted' for her to die Instagram
    #TravelBytes: Five best places to visit in Southeast Asia India
    Top five honeymoon destinations in Asia India
    Five twin cities around the world, you should visit London

    Panasonic

    Panasonic P9 launched with a price tag of Rs. 6,290 India
    GST-cut: Refrigerators, washing-machines, vacuum-cleaners are now 8-10% cheaper India
    #TechBytes: 5 best smart refrigerators you can buy Samsung
    TV, consumer appliance prices to increase by 7% next month India
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2025