Japan is bracing for a historic demographic shift as projections indicate that the number of births in 2024 is likely to fall below 700,000 for the first time on record. This alarming trend was highlighted by recent government data released on Tuesday, showing that births in the first half of this year plunged by 6.3 percent compared to the same period last year, totaling just 329,998 newborns.
The declining birth rate has become a pressing concern for Japan, a country already grappling with an aging population. Health Ministry data underscores a persistent trend of low birth rates in recent years, attributed to more people choosing not to marry, delaying marriage, or postponing parenthood. The shifting societal norms and economic factors contribute to this demographic challenge.
Compounding the issue, the number of deaths between January and June rose by 1.8 percent from the previous year, reaching 800,274. This resulted in a natural population decline—a difference between births and deaths—of 470,276 within just six months.
Faced with the fifteenth consecutive year of population decline, Japan views the period leading up to the early 2030s as the “last chance” to reverse this crisis. The government is actively seeking to boost the birth rate through a range of initiatives, including expanding childcare allowances and providing benefits for parental leave. These measures aim to alleviate the burdens of child-rearing and encourage young people to start families.
Earlier, preliminary data released in August indicated that the total number of babies born in Japan, including to foreigners and Japanese citizens residing overseas, fell by 5.7 percent from the previous year, amounting to a record low of 350,074 births in the first half of the year.
The demographic challenges facing Japan have significant implications for its economy, social welfare systems, and future workforce. As the nation seeks solutions, the eyes of the world are watching how Japan navigates this complex issue that many other countries may face in the coming decades.
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Japan's births 'likely to dip below 700,000' for 1st time in 2024
cgtn.com
