Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers made an ambitious proposal June 12 to raise the ratio of immigrants in Japan to about 10 percent over the next 50 years.

The suggestion reflects the seriousness of Japan's population decline, which is marked by a rapid increase in the elderly population and a falling birthrate that threatens to undermine future economic growth.

The proposal also says immigration policy should place importance on nurturing the talent of newcomers, adding that providing more education and training is indispensable.