Japan is facing a record low birth rate, and the government is taking unprecedented steps to address the country’s demographic woes. According to preliminary government data, the number of babies born in Japan fell for an eighth consecutive year to a fresh record low in 2023. This decline highlights the daunting task that Japan faces in trying to stem depopulation.
In 2023, the number of births in Japan decreased by 5.1% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 758,631. Additionally, the number of marriages also saw a decline of 5.9% to 489,281. This is the first time in 90 years that the number of marriages has fallen below 500,000. The decrease in marriages is concerning as out-of-wedlock births are rare in Japan, indicating a potential further decline in the population.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Japan’s top government spokesperson, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, stated that the government will take “unprecedented steps” to cope with the declining birth rate. These steps include expanding childcare services and promoting wage hikes for younger workers. Hayashi emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating that the next six years until 2030 will be the last chance to reverse the trend before the number of young people rapidly declines.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has also expressed concern over Japan’s declining birth rate, referring to it as the “gravest crisis our country faces.” He unveiled a range of measures to support child-bearing households late last year, acknowledging the potential social and economic impact of a shrinking population and the strains it could place on public finances.
According to estimates by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, Japan’s population is projected to decline by approximately 30% to 87 million by 2070. This estimate also suggests that four out of every ten people in Japan will be aged 65 or older. To combat the declining birth rate, the government is planning to submit related legislation, including a bill on boosting child allowances, to the current session of parliament.
The demographic challenges faced by Japan have transformed the country from an economic “miracle” to a cautionary tale. As the population continues to age and decline, Japan must take decisive action to encourage childbirth and support child-bearing households. The government’s commitment to expanding childcare services and promoting wage hikes for younger workers demonstrates its recognition of the urgency and gravity of the situation. By implementing these unprecedented steps, Japan aims to reverse the declining birth rate and secure a prosperous future for its people.