Japan's demographic crisis has reached alarming new heights as the nation marks Children’s Day on May 5, 2025, with the number of children plummeting to a record low. The latest figures from the Japanese government reveal that the number of children under 15 years old has fallen to just 14.01 million, accounting for a mere 11.1% of the total population of 123.4 million. This marks the 44th consecutive year of decline, with the child population diminishing by 350,000 compared to the previous year.
As reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the demographic shift is stark: there are currently 6.99 million boys and 6.66 million girls among the youth, with only 2.22 million children aged 0 to 2. The figures indicate a troubling trend, as the number of children in the younger age brackets continues to dwindle.
Japan's child population is now the lowest in the world, even trailing behind countries like South Korea and Italy, which have child population rates of 12.1% and 13.2%, respectively. Comparatively, the United States had a child population rate of approximately 21.7% in 2023, highlighting the stark contrast.
Experts are sounding alarms over the potential consequences of this demographic crisis. Japan is on the brink of becoming a "super-aged" society, where over 20% of the population is aged 65 and older. Projections suggest that Japan's total population could plummet to around 88 million by 2065 if current trends continue.
The reasons behind this demographic decline are multifaceted. Young people in Japan are increasingly postponing marriage and childbirth due to concerns over the costs of raising children, housing conditions, and high-pressure work environments. Women are prioritizing their careers, while men’s involvement in household responsibilities remains limited. This cultural shift has contributed to a significant decline in birth rates, with only 720,988 births recorded in 2024, the lowest since 1899. In stark contrast, the number of deaths reached 1.62 million, resulting in a natural population decrease of nearly 900,000 people.
As the nation grapples with these challenges, the government has implemented various policies aimed at encouraging childbirth. These measures include financial incentives, free preschool education, maternity leave reforms, and even government-sponsored dating apps. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives has been limited, with many young couples still reluctant to start families.
The situation is further complicated by rising living costs, exacerbated by a weakening yen, stagnant economic growth, and high inflation rates. Public discontent over these economic conditions is palpable, leading to a growing urgency for comprehensive reforms.
Japan is not alone in facing demographic challenges; neighboring countries such as China and South Korea are also experiencing declining birth rates. However, unlike many European nations that are more open to immigration as a means to mitigate aging populations, Japan has maintained a more restrictive immigration policy.
China, which was once the most populous country in the world, has also seen its population decline for the third consecutive year as of 2024, with deaths outpacing births. This shift has allowed India to surpass China in population size, marking a significant demographic transition in Asia.
Experts warn that without sweeping reforms in labor laws, housing policies, gender equality, and education, Japan risks entering a "silent society" where children are scarce, schools close, and economic growth stagnates due to a lack of human resources. The implications of such a demographic shift could be profound, affecting not only the economy but also the social fabric of the nation.
As Japan celebrates Children’s Day, the stark reality of declining birth rates looms large. The government’s ongoing efforts to reverse this trend face significant hurdles, and the future remains uncertain. The question remains: can Japan find a solution to its demographic crisis before it becomes too late?
