Japan's most severe demographic crisis is deepening — in 2024, nearly one million more people died than were born. This marks the largest annual decline since 1968.
According to official data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, only 686,000 babies were born last year — the lowest figure since 1899. Meanwhile, the number of deaths exceeded 1.6 million. The population declined by 908,000 people.
30% of the population is over 65, and only 60% are of working age. As the number of elderly people grows and the number of young people shrinks, the pension and healthcare systems are under immense pressure.
Japan's government has tried for years to boost the birth rate. Free childcare, flexible work hours, and financial incentives have been introduced. However, gender roles, high living costs, and a rigid work culture are discouraging young people from starting families.
Experts warn that even if births increase sharply, it will take decades to fix the situation.
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