TOKYO - The number of babies born in Japan in 2024 fell below 700,000 for the first time since recordkeeping began in 1899, highlighting the nation’s accelerating demographic crisis. According to population statistics released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on June 4th, the number of births dropped to 686,061—down more than 40,000 from the previous year.
The decline has shocked many. A woman in her 30s remarked, "The fact that it dropped below 700,000 is pretty shocking. Even among married couples I know, many are still unsure about having kids, mostly due to financial concerns."
The fertility rate—the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime—fell to 1.15 in 2024, the lowest level on record and the ninth consecutive year of decline. Tokyo posted the lowest fertility rate at 0.96, followed by Miyagi and Hokkaido. Okinawa remained the highest at 1.54, though still far below the replacement rate of 2.07 needed to sustain population levels.
Japan’s birthrate peaked during the second baby boom in the early 1970s, when annual births surpassed 2 million. The number fell below 1 million in 2016, dropped under 800,000 in 2022, and now, in just two years, has slipped under 700,000.
The fertility rate in Tokyo has remained below 1.0 for the second consecutive year. The ministry warned, "The sharp decline in births continues unchecked, and the situation remains critical. We intend to intensify efforts to reverse this trend."
Interviews with residents reveal a complex mix of economic, career, and social pressures behind the drop. One woman in her 20s said, "Thinking about this child’s future, it worries me that the numbers are declining. Especially when it comes to things like pensions." Others cited the high cost of extracurricular activities and education, or the difficulty of balancing careers with child-rearing.
Some also questioned the necessity of marriage itself, with one person saying, "I have a partner, but I’m not sure marriage is necessary. Prices are going up across the board, and I’m worried about the future."
Amid the national decline, one town in Okayama Prefecture stands out. The town of Nagi, with a population of just 5,500, posted a fertility rate of 2.21 in 2022. Known as a “miracle town” in demographic circles, Nagi has implemented childrearing policies that extend from pregnancy through university graduation.
On June 4th, local childcare support centers in Nagi were filled with parents and children. A mother who had relocated from nearby Tsuyama City said, "I moved here after learning about the strong childrearing support. There are many events for stay-at-home mothers."
Officials in Nagi emphasized that economic assistance is provided without interruption, from before birth through to college graduation. Two years ago, former Prime Minister Kishida visited the town to observe its policies firsthand.
While the national birthrate continues to fall, Nagi offers a rare case study in reversing the trend—suggesting that long-term, comprehensive support can make a measurable difference.
Source: FNN
