Japan's birth rate has reached a new low for the eighth consecutive year, according to data released by the Health Ministry. The declining birth rate has been described as critical by government officials, who are calling for urgent action to reverse this concerning trend.
The latest statistics reveal that Japan's fertility rate dropped to 1.2 in 2023, with 727,277 babies born last year, marking a 5.6% decrease from the previous year. This is the lowest number of births recorded since data collection began in 1899.
Marriage rates have also declined, falling by 6% to 474,717 in 2023. Authorities attribute this trend to the decreasing birth rate, as traditional family values in Japanese society prioritize marriage before having children.
Chief Cabinet Secretary emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating that the next six years will be crucial in potentially reversing the declining birth rate. Factors such as economic instability, challenges in work-life balance, and societal norms contribute to young people's reluctance to marry and start families.
In response to the crisis, Japan's parliament has approved revisions to laws aimed at providing greater financial support for child-rearing parents, expanding access to childcare services, and enhancing parental leave benefits. The government has allocated significant funds, totaling 5.3 trillion yen ($34 billion) in the 2024 budget, to address these issues.
However, experts warn that these measures may not be sufficient to address the root causes of the declining birth rate. A conservative mindset regarding traditional gender roles in both the home and workplace also needs to evolve to encourage more young people to consider marriage and parenthood.
Surveys indicate that younger Japanese individuals are deterred from starting families due to limited job opportunities, rising living costs outpacing salaries, and a corporate culture that places a disproportionate burden on women and working mothers.
With Japan's population projected to decline by 30% to 87 million by 2070, and a significant portion of the population aging rapidly, urgent action is needed to address the demographic challenges facing the country.
