Japan Experiences Record Low Birth Rates During January-June Period

In a concerning development for Japan's future demographic landscape, the number of babies born in the country for the first half of 2022 has reached a record low for the first half of the year, with 339,280 births recorded. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the number of births has fallen below 400,000.

The annual number of births in Japan has been on a downward trend since around 1975, with the annual number falling below one million in 2016 and below 800,000 in 2022. The current forecast for the total number of births in 2025, assuming that the number of births in the second half of 2025 remains the same as in the first half, is not explicitly stated in the provided data. However, Japan's birth rate has been declining for years, reaching a record low fertility rate of 1.15 children per woman in 2024. No recovery of this trend is expected, indicating that total births in 2025 will likely remain low or decrease further.

The decline in birth rates is mirrored by a decrease in the number of marriages, with 238,561 marriages recorded for the first half of 2022, a decrease of 4.0% compared to the previous year. This marks a continuation of the trend, as the number of marriages in Japan registered an increase for the first time in two years in the previous year. The number of divorces in Japan for the first half of 2022 also decreased by 4.1% compared to the previous year, with 93,755 divorces recorded.

It is important to note that this figure includes babies born to foreigners living in Japan and Japanese nationals living overseas. The decline in birth rates and marriages in Japan has been attributed to a variety of factors, including an ageing population, economic uncertainty, and changing social norms around family and work.

The record low number of births in Japan in 2022 and the continued decline in marriages and divorces highlight the challenges facing Japan's demographic future. The government has implemented various policies to address these issues, including measures to support child-rearing and encourage marriage, but the long-term effects of these policies remain to be seen.

As Japan continues to grapple with these demographic challenges, it is crucial for the government, businesses, and society as a whole to work together to find solutions that will ensure a bright and sustainable future for the country.