Fewer parents in Japan say they want a second child

A survey found fewer parents in Japan want a second child than in previous years.

It asked 1,100 men and women, each with one child aged 6 or younger, about their plans.

Just 28.2% said they wanted another child, the lowest share since the survey began in 2018.

The figure was 56.9% in 2020 and has fallen each year since 2021, as the number of babies born in Japan declines.

Worries about future income were common among people who did not want another child, and an economist said higher prices for items such as diapers and baby food strain family budgets.

More income for the couple could help, according to 60.4% of all people surveyed, while 22.9% said lower inflation would help.

Some respondents said they might have another child if their circumstances changed, but the survey gives no indication of what will happen next.