Japan’s Birth Rate Hits Record Low in 2024, Marking Ninth Consecutive Year of Decline

Japan’s birth rate has plunged to a new record low in 2024, marking the ninth year in a row of decline, as young people delay marriage and the elderly population continues to rise.

According to preliminary data from the Health Ministry, just 720,988 babies were born last year, including those to foreign nationals—down 5% from 758,631 in 2023. This marks the lowest number of births since records began in 1899.

The dramatic shift in demographics underscores the growing challenges Japan faces as a shrinking workforce is forced to support an ever-expanding elderly population.

In stark contrast, Japan’s deaths have more than doubled its births, with fatalities increasing by 1.8% from 2023 to a staggering 1.62 million.

In January, Japan’s overall population dipped to 123.54 million, a decline of 0.46% from the previous year. These statistics highlight the pressing need for policy reform as Japan grapples with its demographic crisis.

Interestingly, Japan’s situation contrasts sharply with neighboring South Korea, where data released earlier this week revealed a slight increase in the number of births per 1,000 people—a first in more than a decade.

The country’s birth rates peaked in 1973 at 2.1 million babies. Now, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has placed tackling the population crisis at the forefront of his agenda.

However, the high costs of education, a sluggish economy, and changing societal norms continue to deter young people from starting families, making it increasingly difficult to reverse the trend.