Japan’s birth rate has dropped to its lowest level in history, marking the ninth straight year of decline. The latest government data shows that fewer babies are being born as more young people delay marriage and the elderly population continues to rise. This ongoing trend raises concerns about the future of Japan’s workforce and economy.
According to the Japanese health ministry, only 720,988 babies were born in 2024, a significant 5% drop from 758,631 births in 2023. This marks the lowest number of births since record-keeping began in 1899. At the same time, deaths in Japan rose by 1.8% to 1.62 million in 2024, meaning deaths outnumbered births by more than two to one.
Japan’s total population has now decreased to 123.54 million, showing a 0.46% decline compared to the previous year. With fewer young people entering the workforce and an increasing number of retirees, Japan faces serious economic challenges. The shrinking workforce must support a rapidly growing elderly population, putting pressure on social welfare and healthcare systems.
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In contrast, South Korea recently reported an increase in its birth rate per 1,000 people in 2024—the first rise in over a decade. This difference highlights the severity of Japan’s population crisis. In 1973, Japan saw a record high of 2.1 million births, but the country has since struggled with declining birth rates.
The reasons behind this crisis are complex. Many young people in Japan are choosing to marry later or remain single due to financial instability, career pressures, and lifestyle choices. The high cost of living, long working hours, and expensive childcare make raising a family challenging for many couples. Despite government incentives such as financial aid for families, paid parental leave, and workplace reforms, birth rates continue to fall.
Japan’s government has been actively working to address the issue, introducing policies to encourage family growth and support working parents. However, reversing the trend remains a difficult task. Without a significant change in birth rates, Japan’s population is expected to keep shrinking, leading to further economic and social challenges in the future.
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