Because, Japan.

[sunday]

Dying peacefully.

The peacefully bit is a positive modifier, but the dying part is not good at all.

[urbanoid]

Over hundreds of years, which implies... hundreds of years to search for a solution.

And if no solution is found, it's better to die with dignity, that includes nations.

[sunday]

I thought we were discussing Japan, not Ancient Egypt, where a multi-century decay was the usual state of things, until some war or other make times interesting again.

Stasis is never a good thing for a country or civilization.

Edited March 1 by sunday

[urbanoid]

I was talking both about Japan and in general. If Japan stays on current course in 50-100 years it will still be Japan. The same can't be said about many countries in Europe, which won't preserve their identity. Sure, Japan's economy will be smaller, so what?

You're right, stasis is not a good thing. Turning your country into a third world dump in the name of holy GDP is worse.

Edited March 1 by urbanoid

[sunday]

Yes, most of Europe has Japan's problems of an increasing population age, and unassimilable immigration on top. Perhaps Spain a bit less, as the South American immigration has things in common with the native population.

But, still, ageing Japanese population is perhaps the most sever problem there.