Japan, one of the world’s most developed countries, is facing a severe population crisis due to a record low birth rate. The country’s population has been declining since 2010, and according to recent data, The country saw 799,728 births in 2022, the lowest number on record and the first ever dip below 800,000. This decline is due to a combination of factors, including a low birth rate, an aging population, and a lack of immigration.
The birth rate in Japan has been falling for several decades. In 2022, the number of babies born in Japan dropped to 799,728, the lowest number since the government began keeping records in 1899. This is a significant decrease from the peak of 2.07 million in 1973. Japan’s fertility rate, which is the average number of children a woman will have in her lifetime, has been below the replacement level of 2.1 since 1974. The rate was 1.34, the lowest in the world.
These concerning trends prompted a warning in January from Prime Minister Fumio Kishida that Japan is “on the brink of not being able to maintain social functions.”
In thinking of the sustainability and inclusiveness of our nation’s economy and society, we place child-rearing support as our most important policy
Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida said.
To address the population crisis, the Japanese government has implemented various policies over the years, including incentives for couples to have more children, increased support for childcare, and efforts to increase immigration. However, these efforts have had limited success in increasing the birth rate or slowing the population decline.
Why is Japan’s birth rate falling?
There are many reasons why the birth rate in Japan is so low. One of the main reasons is the high cost of living. Japan is one of the most expensive countries in the world, and the cost of raising a child is prohibitively high for many couples. In addition, many young people in Japan are focused on their careers and do not see having children as a priority. Women, in particular, face significant barriers to having children, including a lack of affordable childcare and family-friendly policies in the workplace.
The aging population is another factor contributing to the population crisis in Japan. The number of people over the age of 65 in Japan has been increasing rapidly, and they now make up more than 28% of the population. This demographic shift has put a significant strain on Japan’s social security system and healthcare system, as there are fewer young people to support the growing number of elderly citizens.
The declining population has significant implications for Japan’s economy and society. A shrinking workforce will make it difficult for Japanese companies to remain competitive, and the government will face increasing pressure to provide for the needs of an aging population. In addition, Japan’s declining population may have geopolitical implications, as it could reduce Japan’s influence on the world stage.
In conclusion, Japan’s population crisis is a complex and multi-faceted issue that will require a comprehensive and sustained effort to address. While the government’s efforts to increase the birth rate and support families are commendable, more needs to be done to create an environment that is conducive to raising children and to encourage immigration to help offset the declining population. Failure to address this issue could have significant long-term consequences for Japan’s economy, society, and global position.
Meanwhile, China is inching closer to officially losing its title as the world’s most populous country to India after its population shrank in 2022 for the first time since the 1960s.
