Japan child birth sees record low for 9th consecutive year

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Childbirth numbers in Japan declined to a new record low in 2024 for the ninth consecutive year.

According to government data, in the previous year 720,988 babies were born, showing a decrease of 5% from 2023 rates in the East Asian nation, reported Tokyo-based Kyodo News Agency.

The birth rate decreases faster than the government anticipated as the cost of living increases and more individuals wait to marry until later years of life.

The number of deaths also saw a record rise in 2024 with 1.6 million people passing away causing a decrease in population by 897,696 for the first time in history.

Considering that the released number includes foreigners, the number of babies born to Japanese nationals in 2024 is expected to be even lower than 700,000 for the first time since the decrease was seen in childbirth rates.

This threshold crossing under 700,000 is notable as the government had not expected to see it happen until 2038.