According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, the number of babies born in Japan in 2024 fell to a record low of 720,988. This marks the ninth consecutive year of decline. To put this into perspective, the number of births in the first half of 2024 alone was 350,074, This figure was 5.7% lower, representing 20,978 fewer births, than the same period the previous year.
Although the number of marriages rose slightly, up 0.9% to 248,513, annual births are on track to hit a new low, and may even fall below 700,000 for the first time.
Japan’s record low birth rate in 2024 requires effective policies to address the demographic crisis. While the government has taken steps to support families and encourage marriage, the success of these measures remains to be seen. The future of Japan’s economy and society depends on finding sustainable solutions to this pressing issue.
