ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Economy

Elon Musk's grim Japan tweet puts spotlight on population bomb

Tesla CEO warns aging nation could 'eventually cease to exist'

Elon Musk has caused a stir by tweeting that Japan could "cease to exist" due to its demographic woes.   © Reuters

TOKYO -- Tesla CEO and prolific tweeter Elon Musk has long highlighted the threat of declining birth rates, but over the weekend he singled out Japan with a warning that the country could one day "cease to exist."

Musk's motivation for making the remark remains unclear. But the tweet to his 90 million followers has shaken Japan's Twitterati and cast a fresh spotlight on the demographic woes that weigh on the nation's economic outlook.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more