Historic Low in Birth Rates
In 2024, Japan recorded its lowest number of births since records began in 1899, with just 686,061 babies born—a 5.7% decrease from the previous year. This marks the 16th consecutive year of declining births. The fertility rate also dropped to a record low of 1.15, well below the replacement level of 2.1.
Contributing Factors
Several factors contribute to Japan’s declining birth rate:
- Economic Pressures: High living costs, job insecurity, and limited housing options deter young people from starting families.
- Work Culture: Long working hours and demanding job expectations leave little time for personal life, discouraging marriage and childbearing.
- Gender Inequality: Women often face challenges balancing career and family life, with insufficient support for working mothers.
- Delayed Marriages: Many individuals are choosing to marry later in life, leading to fewer children .
Government Response
In response to the demographic crisis, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has labeled the situation a “silent emergency.” His administration has introduced measures to support families, including:
- Increased Child Allowances: Raising financial support for families with children.
- Free High School Education: Eliminating tuition fees for high school students.
- Expanded Parental Leave: Guaranteeing 100% of take-home pay for both parents during parental leave.
Despite these efforts, experts argue that the government’s focus has been too narrow, primarily aiding married couples, while overlooking the broader societal factors affecting the younger population.
Future Projections
If current trends persist, Japan’s population, currently around 124 million, is projected to decline to 87 million by 2070. By that time, approximately 40% of the population could be aged 65 or older, posing significant challenges to the economy and social systems.
Conclusion
Japan’s declining birth rate is a critical issue that requires comprehensive policy reforms addressing economic, social, and cultural factors. Without significant changes, the nation faces a future with a shrinking and aging population, impacting its economic vitality and social stability.
