Japan's birth rate hits record low, revealing demographic crisis

In 2024, Japan recorded the lowest number of births in its history, with only 686,061 babies born. This figure represents a continuation of a worrying trend, marking the ninth consecutive year of declining birth rates. The total fertility rate, which indicates the average number of children a woman has in her lifetime, fell to an unprecedented low of 1.15, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1. The country's ongoing issues with declining fertility and aging population have raised significant concerns about labor shortages and economic growth. The recent birth rates are alarming, especially as the number of deaths rose sharply to an all-time high of 1,605,298, resulting in a natural population decline of 919,237. This is the largest drop ever recorded in Japan's history. The continued decline in births comes at a time when the government, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, is confronting what he has termed a 'silent emergency.' Despite various policies aimed at supporting child-rearing and improving work-life balance, these efforts have yet to yield substantial results in reversing the birth rate trend. As society evolves, cultural shifts contribute to the reluctance of younger generations to marry and have children. Many young people cite factors such as bleak job prospects, the high cost of living, and a corporate culture that places additional burdens on women. The expectation for women to adopt their husband’s surname upon marriage is another factor deterring marriage among many women. Despite a slight increase in marriages, totaling 485,063 last year, the overall downtrend in marriage rates since the 1970s persists. The ramifications of Japan's declining birth rate are extensive, indicating long-term challenges for social security and economic sustainability. As the population shrinks, the working-age demographic is expected to dwindle, amplifying concerns about the labor force's capacity to support an aging population. Projections suggest that Japan's population could decrease from approximately 124 million to about 87 million by 2070, with an estimated 40% of its residents being over the age of 65 at that time. Such statistics underscore the urgency in addressing this demographic crisis and highlight the need for more effective measures to encourage higher birth rates among young people.