Japan's Baby Bust: A Looming Population Crisis

Japan's birth rate hit a record low in 2024, with only 720,988 babies born, marking a ninth year of decline. Despite government measures, births fell by 5% compared to the previous year. Economists link the trend to fewer marriages and societal shifts, hinting at long-term demographic challenges.

Japan's birth rate plummeted to a record low in 2024, with only 720,988 babies entering the world, marking the ninth consecutive year of decline, reports the health ministry. This troubling statistic emphasizes the rapid aging and shrinking of the nation's population.

Despite attempts by former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government in 2023 to counter the decline, births dropped 5% from the previous year. A record 1.62 million deaths were recorded, illustrating a stark demographic imbalance with more than two deaths for every new birth.

Experts like Takumi Fujinami from the Japan Research Institute point to decreased marriage rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic as a key factor. Although marriages slightly increased by 2.2% in 2024, the overall trend remains concerning, as marriages strongly correlate with childbirth in Japan.

(With inputs from agencies.)