In 2024, Japan witnessed its ninth consecutive year of declining birth rates, reaching an all-time low, as indicated by recent data from the health ministry. This trend raises concerns about the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at addressing the rapid aging and shrinking of the population.
The Health and Welfare Ministry reported a total of 720,998 births in 2024, marking a 5% decrease from the previous year. This figure represents the fewest births since record-keeping began in 1899.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi acknowledged the challenges in reversing the declining birth trend. He emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing childcare programs and providing subsidies for families raising children. There will also be efforts to boost salaries, support matchmaking, and encourage family formation.
This recent statistic includes births from foreign nationals residing in Japan and notably surpassed predictions by 15 years. Projections suggest that the birth rate among Japanese nationals alone will drop below 700,000 for the first time, with official data expected to confirm this later in the year.
The report arrives as South Korea reveals a slight recovery in its birth rates—the first in nine years—partially attributed to increased marriages following pandemic-related postponements.
Additionally, Japan recorded 499,999 marriages last year, a slight rise of 2.2% from the previous year, which had experienced a 90-year low.
Experts highlight the importance of improving economic conditions, employment opportunities, and gender equality to encourage younger generations to marry and start families.
Surveys reveal that many young Japanese adults are hesitant to marry or bear children due to discouragement from uncertain job prospects, the rising cost of living outpacing wage growth, and workplace cultures that challenge balancing dual-working parents.
Japan is projected to experience a 30% population decline by 2070, resulting in a population of about 87 million. By that year, it’s anticipated that four out of every ten individuals will be aged 65 or older.
