Japan's birth rate reaches historic low

Japan's birth rate reaches historic low

TOKYO, Japan - The number of newborns in Japan is falling, according to recent government data released Wednesday faster than originally expected. In 2024, the number of annual births fell to another record low of 686,061 children, a decline of 5.7% compared to the previous year. This is the first time the number of newborns has fallen below 700,000 since records began in 1899. It is the 16th consecutive year of decline.

Historical decline in birth rates

The number of new births is about a quarter of the 2.7 million births in 1949 during the postwar baby boom. This worrying data comes from a country with a rapidly aging and shrinking population. Experts raise concerns about economic sustainability and national security, particularly amid efforts to increase defense spending.

Political reactions to the demographic crisis

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called the situation a "quiet emergency" and vowed to promote a more flexible work environment and take other measures to help married couples better balance work and parenthood. This is particularly true in rural areas where family values ​​tend to be more conservative and there is more pressure on women.

Global trends in birth rates

Japan is not the only East Asian country with declining birth rates and an aging population. South Korea and China have for years taken measures to encourage families to have more children. Vietnam also recently scrapped decades-old laws that limited families to two children in a bid to halt falling birth rates.

Fertility rate and societal challenges

The latest health ministry data shows that Japan's fertility rate - the average number of children a woman gives birth to in her lifetime - fell to a new low of 1.15 in 2024, from 1.2 the previous year. The number of marriages rose slightly to 485,063 couples, but the downward trend remains unchanged since the 1970s.

Obstacles for young couples

Experts say the government's measures do not adequately address the growing number of young people who are hesitant to get married. Many young people blame their decision to marry or have children on bleak job prospects, the high cost of living and a gender-discriminatory corporate culture that places additional burdens on women and working mothers.

Social norms and pressure to marry

A growing proportion of women cite pressure to take their husband's last name as a reason for their reluctance to marry. Japanese law requires couples to choose a common surname when they marry.

Forecasts for the future

Japan has a population of about 124 million people, which could fall to 87 million by 2070, with 40% of the population over 65 years old.