Japan faces ‘critical’ demographic crisis as birth rate hits historic low
- Japan faced a critical demographic crisis in 2024 as the birth rate dropped to a historic low of 686,061, the first time below 700,000 since 1899.
- This decline resulted from multiple complex factors including delayed marriage, employment challenges for young women, and changing social roles discouraging childbirth.
- The government responded with expanded child allowances, free high school education, and parental leave pay, but these policies have yet to reverse the downward trend.
- Officials announced a population decrease exceeding 919,000 in 2024, representing the largest drop to date and continuing a decline that has persisted for 18 years. At the same time, fertility rates reached an unprecedented low of 1.15 children per woman.
- The demographic crisis threatens economic and national security, prompting calls for stable employment and reduced working hours to encourage marriage and childbearing.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Japan records lowest birth rate since 1899
The total fertility rate, the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, dropped by 0.05 points compared to the previous year, marking the lowest level since the government started tracking data in 1947
The country is threatened by demographic collapse. Tried to copy Sweden's benefit system - didn't help.
Japan’s birthrate hits new low: Expert warns only one teenager will be left by THIS year in world's 4th biggest economy
Japan faces a severe demographic crisis with a record low birthrate, a shrinking workforce, and rising social security costs. Government measures have yet to reverse these trends, and Japan's demanding work culture and traditional gender roles further complicate efforts to increase birthrates.
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