Yeah the low birth rates are a real problem, which wouldn't exist if countries improved the lifestyle of their people. The population sees these tech advancements and knows they are being denied their share of the benefits. In a late-stage capitalist economy, people need a government to uphold their standard of living, and global governments have been doing the opposite -- allowing blatantly anti-competitive and fraudulent activities, just to keep companies interested so the GDP goes up.

People lost hope in a better future, and really, only those who believe in toward "earning" a spot in the afterlife of a traditional religion want to have children.

About South Korea and Japan - I clarified my labeling in my original comment.