Japan has recorded its lowest number of births since 1899, with only 686,061 births in 2024, a 5.7% decline from the previous year. The fertility rate also hit a record low of 1.15, far below the 2.1 needed for population stability. This marks the ninth consecutive year of decline in births and fertility, intensifying fears about Japan's shrinking and aging population, which is projected to fall to 87 million by 2070 with 40% over 65. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has unveiled measures to boost the birthrate, but past efforts have had limited effect due to factors like late marriages, poor employment prospects, and corporate culture.
Japan records lowest number of births in more than a century, as population fears grow
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Japan has recorded its lowest number of births since 1899, with only 686,061 births in 2024, a 5.7% decline from the previous year. The fertility rate also hit a record low of 1.15, far below the 2.1 needed for population stability. This marks the ninth consecutive year of decline in births and fertility, intensifying fears about Japan's shrinking and aging population, which is projected to fall to 87 million by 2070 with 40% over 65. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has unveiled measures to boost the birthrate, but past efforts have had limited effect due to factors like late marriages, poor employment prospects, and corporate culture.
Trending- 1 1899: Statistics on births first kept.
- 2 1949: All-time peak of 2.7 million births.
- 3 1970s: Downward trend in marriages began.
- 4 1973: Second baby boom reached, then birthrate started falling.
- 5 2016: Births fell below 1 million.
- 6 2022: Births fell below 800,000.
- 7 2023: Fertility rate was 1.20. Nippon Foundation survey conducted.
- 8 2024: Number of births reached 686,061; fertility rate fell to 1.15; 1.6m deaths recorded.
- 9 This week (early June 2025): Government data released.
- 10 2070: Projected population of 87 million, with 40% over 65.
- Serious implications for Japan's economy and national security
- Projected population decline to 87 million by 2070
- 40% of population 65 or over by 2070
- Increased pressure on social welfare systems
- Potential for military boost to counter threats
What: Japan recorded its lowest number of births in over a century (686,061 in 2024) and a record-low fertility rate (1.15), intensifying concerns about its shrinking and aging population.
When: Data released 'this week' (early June 2025) for 2024 births. Statistics first kept in 1899. Fertility rate fell from 1.20 in 2023. Birthrate falling for nine years in a row. Number of marriages slightly up last year, two years after dipping below half a million for the first time. Birthrate fell below 1 million in 2016 and below 800,000 in 2022. All-time peak of 2.7 million births in 1949. Projected population by 2070.
Where: Japan.
Why: Declining birthrate due to factors like people marrying later, poor employment prospects, rising cost of living, and corporate culture making it difficult for working mothers.
How: Government data collection and analysis revealing the demographic trends. The government is attempting to counter this with measures like expanded child allowance, free high school education, and parental leave guarantees.