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The number of babies born in Japan last year dropped for the ninth consecutive year, reaching a record low, according to data released by the Health Ministry on Thursday.
Hiroshi Yoshida, a professor at Tohoku University’s Research Center for Aged Economy and Society, has concluded that by January 5, 2720, Japan would have only one child age 14 and below.
The sharper-than-expected decline highlights the ineffectiveness of government measures in tackling the nation’s rapidly ageing and shrinking population.
Figures from Japan's Health and Welfare Ministry revealed that 720,998 babies were born in Japan in 2024, marking a five per cent decrease compared to the previous year. This is the lowest number of births recorded since the country began collecting such data in 1899.
"We believe the declining birth rate has not been effectively curbed," Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary acknowledged the ongoing challenge, stating.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to expanding childcare programmes, increasing subsidies for families raising children, and supporting initiatives to boost wages and promote matchmaking efforts.
Meanwhile, Japan’s demographic crisis is further exacerbated by its ageing population, with over 29 per cent of its citizens aged 65 or older.
The combination of fewer births and longer life expectancy is placing immense pressure on the country’s social security systems, labour force and economic growth. Experts warn that without significant intervention, Japan could face severe labour shortages and a shrinking tax base, which could undermine its ability to sustain public services.
In response, the government has introduced various measures, such as financial incentives for families, improved parental leave policies and efforts to make workplaces more family-friendly.
However, critics argue that these initiatives have been insufficient to reverse the trend, citing high living costs, long working hours and cultural factors that discourage young people from starting families.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s recent uptick in births offers a glimmer of hope, though the country still faces one of the lowest birth rates globally.
The contrasting trends in these two East Asian nations underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of demographic challenges, which require tailored and sustained policy efforts to address effectively.
As Japan grapples with its demographic decline, the government faces mounting pressure to implement more innovative and far-reaching solutions to encourage family formation and ensure the country’s long-term sustainability.
A government survey released on February 27 also highlighted that the number of marriages last year reached 499,999, marking a 2.2 per cent increase compared to 2023, when a 90-year low was recorded.
Experts argue that fostering a more positive economic outlook, improving job opportunities, and advancing gender equality are crucial to encouraging young people to marry and start families.
Surveys indicate that many young Japanese individuals are hesitant to marry or have children, citing concerns such as limited job prospects, the rising cost of living outpacing wage growth, and workplace cultures that make it difficult for both parents to balance careers and family life.
Japan’s population is forecast to decline by approximately 30 per cent, dropping to 87 million by 2070. By that time, it is estimated that four out of every 10 people will be aged 65 or older, further intensifying the challenges posed by the country’s ageing society.