Archive · 5 Jun 2025
Japan's Birth Rate Declines to New Record Low in 2024
Japan's birth rate is dropping, with fewer babies born each year.
In 2024, the number of newborns fell below 700,000 for the first time since 1899.
This decline is causing worry about Japan's future, as the population is aging and shrinking.
The government is trying to help by offering flexible work and other support.
However, many young people are hesitant to marry or have children because of job concerns and the high cost of living.
South Korea and China are also facing similar challenges and Vietnam has dropped its two child policy.
The fertility rate in Japan, or the average number of babies a woman has, is also dropping.
Japan's annual births hit a record low in 2024.
The number of newborns in 2024 fell below 700,000 for the first time since 1899.
Japan's fertility rate also fell to a new low of 1.15 in 2024.
Experts suggest the government's measures are not enough to address the issue.
Younger generation are reluctant to marry or have children due to economic and social concerns.
- Who
- The Health Ministry, Japanese citizens
- What
- The number of births in Japan hit a record low in 2024, with the fertility rate also declining.
- When
- 2024, with the data released on Wednesday.
- Where
- Japan
- Why
- Falling birth rates and an aging population are causing concerns about the economy and national security.
- Newborns in 2024
- 686,061
- Drop in births from previous year
- 5.7%
- Fertility rate in 2024
- 1.15
- Fertility rate a year earlier
- 1.2
- Consecutive years of decline
- 16