Japan is facing a demographic crisis as the nation records its 44th consecutive year of declining child population. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as of April 1, 2025, the number of children under 15 years old in Japan has dropped to approximately 13.66 million, marking a decrease of 350,000 from the previous year. This alarming trend sees the child population now comprising just 11.1% of the total population, the lowest level since Japan began compiling comparative data in 1950.
Breaking down the figures, there are currently about 6.99 million boys and 6.66 million girls in Japan. The age distribution reveals that the 12-14 age group accounts for 3.14 million children, while the youngest group, aged 0-2 years, comprises only 2.22 million. This stark contrast highlights a significant decline in births, reflecting a broader trend that has persisted for over five decades.
The total population of Japan stands at approximately 123.4 million, with the nation now classified as a "super-aged" society, where more than 20% of the population is aged over 65. According to the United Nations, Japan holds the second-lowest child population rate among 37 countries with populations exceeding 40 million, trailing only South Korea, which reports a child population rate of 10.6%.
As of early October 2024, all 47 prefectures in Japan have reported a year-on-year decrease in the number of children. Only Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture boast populations exceeding one million children. In contrast, Okinawa Prefecture has the highest proportion of children in the country at 15.8%, followed by Shiga and Saga Prefectures, both at 12.7%. Meanwhile, Akita Prefecture records the lowest rate at 8.8%.
The situation has prompted the Japanese government to take action, as officials describe the declining birth rate as a "critical situation." In 2024, Tokyo amended its laws to introduce additional financial support packages, enhance maternity leave benefits, and improve access to childcare services. These measures aim to encourage families to have more children amidst rising economic uncertainties.
"Many factors, such as economic instability, difficulties in balancing work and family life, and the challenges of raising children, contribute to the continued decline in birth rates," a Ministry of Health official stated. The government is under pressure to find effective solutions to address these demographic challenges, as projections indicate that Japan's population could shrink to approximately 88 million by 2065.
The ongoing decline in child population raises concerns about the long-term implications for Japan's economy and social structure. With fewer children entering the workforce in the future, the country may struggle to sustain its economic growth and support its aging population. This demographic shift could lead to increased pressure on social services and healthcare systems, further complicating the already challenging situation.
Experts suggest that a comprehensive approach is necessary to tackle the declining birth rate, including improving work-life balance, enhancing child-rearing support, and fostering a more family-friendly environment. These initiatives could help alleviate the burdens faced by parents and encourage them to consider expanding their families.
As Japan grapples with these demographic challenges, the need for innovative solutions and policies becomes increasingly urgent. The government’s commitment to addressing the declining birth rate will be crucial in shaping the future of the nation and ensuring a stable and prosperous society for generations to come.
