Japan's Birthrate Hits Record Low, Again

Government struggles to reverse trends as marriages show slight rise

By Newser.AI Read our AI policy

Posted Feb 27, 2025 10:30 AM CST

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Japan's Birthrate Hits Record Low, Again — Women carry their children on their bicycles as they ride through an intersection near a sporting arena planned to be used during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo on June 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae, File)

Japan's birthrate reached a record low in 2024. Only 720,998 babies were born, a 5% decrease from the previous year. This marks the lowest number since record-keeping began in 1899. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said: "We believe the declining births has not been effectively controlled." The government plans to expand childcare programs and offer subsidies to support families.

Japan's population decline is faster than predicted, reaching levels expected 15 years later. The projection for Japanese nationals alone is a birthrate below 700,000. In contrast, South Korea saw a birth increase in 2024. Economic improvement and late marriages, delayed by COVID-19, contributed to this rise.

The number of marriages in Japan rose by 2.2% to 499,999 in 2024, rebounding from a 90-year low in 2023. Factors like job prospects, high living costs outpacing salaries, and corporate cultures incompatible with dual-income families discourage marriage.

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Experts emphasize improving the economy, job outlook, and gender equality to boost birthrates. Japan's population is projected to fall by 30%, to 87 million by 2070, with 40% aged 65 or older. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)