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Japan's Child Population Hits Record Low for 45th Straight Year

Japan's child population has declined for the 45th consecutive year, reaching a record low of 13.29 million as of April 1. The ratio of children aged below 15 years fell to 10.8% of the total population, the lowest since 1950. The number of births in Japan dropped to 705,809 in 2025, marking a 10th straight year of decline amid rising living costs. The Japanese government has declared the period through 2030 as a final opportunity to reverse the declining birthrate trend.

Key Points: Japan Child Population Drops to Record Low in 2025

  • Child population drops to 13.29 million, a record low
  • Ratio of children falls to 10.8% of total population
  • Births hit 705,809 in 2025, a 10th straight decline
  • Government declares 2030 as "final opportunity" to reverse trend
2 min read

Japan's child population declines for 45th straight year

Japan's child population falls to 13.29 million, a record low for the 45th year, with the ratio dropping to 10.8% amid declining birthrates and aging concerns.

"The period through 2030 as a final opportunity to reverse the trend. - Japanese government"

Tokyo, May 4

Child population in Japan has reduced to an estimated 13.29 million as of April 1, showcasing a decline of 350,000 from a year earlier and marking a new record low, local media reported on Monday. The figure has declined for 45th consecutive year.

The ratio of children aged below 15 years dropped 0.3 percentage point to 10.8 per cent of the total population, lowest since comparable data became available in 1950, according to data released by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication, Japan-based Kyodo News reported.

The figures, including foreign residents, were calculated based on population estimates mentioned in national census conducted every five years.

The decline in population has continued for 45 years despite several measures taken by the Japanese government like increasing financial support for families who are raising a child. In order to address the declining birthrate, the Japanese government has declared the period through 2030 as a "final opportunity to reverse the trend."

According to the data, there were 6.81 boys and 6.48 million girls. As many as 3.09 million children were aged between 12-14 years while 2.13 million were zero to two years, showcasing a trend of fewer children being born.

The number of children, including foreign residents, born in Japan in 2025 reached a record low of 705,809, witnessing decline for the 10th consecutive year, according to preliminary data released by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Child population in Japan has been declining since 1982 after peaking in 1954 at 29.89 million. The ratio of children has been declining for the 52nd consecutive year since 1975.

Earlier in February, Japan's health ministry said that the number of children born in Japan in 2025 declined from a year earlier to 705,809, the fewest since data became available in 1899 and reaching a new low for the 10th consecutive year, Kyodo News reported.

The figure, which includes foreign residents, reduced by 2.1 per cent, or 15,179 births, from 2024, as Japan deals with an aging population and growing concerns about raising children due to the higher cost of living amid inflation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Ananya R
It's sad to see a country like Japan struggling so much. They have such a rich culture and advanced technology, but people are choosing not to have children. Maybe it's the cost of living and the intense work culture? India should learn from this and not make the same mistakes.
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Rohit P
Honestly, I think Japan's problem is that they are too strict about immigration. They need to open up and allow more foreign workers and families, like some European countries do. India sends a lot of professionals abroad, but Japan makes it hard to settle there permanently. 🤷‍♂️
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Kavya N
This is a very complex issue. In India, we also have concerns about overpopulation, but at least we have a young demographic. The Japanese government's 'final opportunity' statement seems desperate. Maybe they need to look at what countries like Sweden or France are doing to boost birth rates.
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Sarah B
I visited Japan last year, and I was struck by how empty the streets felt in smaller towns. This decline is real. It's interesting that the government is focusing on the period through 2030. I hope they succeed, for the sake of their culture and economy.
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Aditya G
The numbers are alarming: 45 years of decline! It's not just about money, it's about creating a society where raising kids is feasible and enjoyable. In India, we still have the joint family support system, but that's eroding too. We should take note and preserve what works. 🧐

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