Regarding Ray Andrews' July 1 letter, "Safest bet is to skip having kids": This view, while perhaps purposely exaggerated for rhetorical effect, doesn't help solve problems. Not having kids, encouraging defeatism and hopelessness, and generally being a complete downer are not something that will improve Japan.

Every country has problems, some more difficult than others, but Japan is a resilient country and has proven that time and again. Complaining about Japan's demographic problem won't solve anything; engaging people, getting involved in your community and working for solutions will.

Either you're part of the problem or part of the solution. Sadly it's all too easy to see the path that Andrews has chosen.

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.

timothy bedwell