Japan's child population hits record low

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) – Amplifying concerns over the growing aging population, the latest data released by Japan on Tuesday has shown the child population is the lowest in decades.

Figures released by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications have recorded that the number of children aged 14 or younger stood at 14.93 million as of April 1, reported Kyodo News, a news agency based in Tokyo.

The latest figures are at least 190,000 fewer than a year before and the lowest figure among comparable data available since 1950, said the ministry.

With a population close to 127 million, Japan has seen the child population decreasing continuously over the past 40 straight years, leaving the world's third-largest economy grappling with an aging population.

Japan is among 33 countries with the lowest child population ratio, along with South Korea and Italy.

According to the ministry, this ratio fell to its base at 11.9% after 47 straight years of decline.

Out of 14.93 million people aged 14 or younger, there are 7.65 million boys and 7.28 million girls. Those, who are aged up to two, account for just 2.65 million.

The child population had peaked in the country in 1954, recording 29.89 million. However, it has seen a constant decline since 1982.

Meanwhile, Japan's pandemic situation has seen another spike.
The country has reported 1,084 COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms. Such cases have mounted pressure on Japan's health infrastructure.

Japan has reported 602,862 COVID-19 cases, including 10,361 deaths.

Tokyo, Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto are the most affected provinces where a state of emergency was imposed on April 25, which will remain in force till May 11 to stem the spread of the virus.

Capital Tokyo reported 609 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, a slight decrease from 708 cases confirmed on Monday.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has vowed to inoculate the country's 36 million older people by the end of July.