Japan's Child Population Plummets to Record Low for 43rd Year in a Row

In a stark reminder of the demographic challenges facing Japan, the country's child population has once again hit a new low. According to government data released on May 4, 2024, the number of children aged 14 or younger, including foreigners, fell for the 43rd consecutive year to a mere 14.01 million. This represents a decrease of 330,000 from the previous year, highlighting the ongoing issue of a rapidly aging society and a declining birth rate.

The ratio of children to the overall population also fell to 11.3 percent, the lowest since comparable data became available in 1950. This decline is not only a record for Japan but also places the country second lowest among nations with a population of at least 40 million, just behind South Korea with a ratio of 11.2 percent.

The data further revealed that as of October 1 last year, the child population exceeded 1 million only in Tokyo and neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture. In a first since the breakdown by prefecture began in 1970, the figure sank below 1 million in Osaka Prefecture.

This persistent decline in the child population is a significant concern for Japan, as it weighs heavily on the country's economic growth and social welfare systems. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government is scrambling to address the issue through "unprecedented" measures, including providing more financial assistance to child-rearing households and expanding daycare services. However, critics doubt whether such initiatives can reverse the decades-long trend.

Japan's child population has been falling since 1982, having peaked in 1954 at 29.89 million. A second baby boom was observed between 1971 and 1974, but the downward trend has continued ever since. This latest data underscores the urgency for Japan to find effective solutions to its demographic crisis.

The government's efforts to boost the birth rate come at a time when the country's population has fallen for the 13th straight year, remaining below 125 million. The fast pace of decline in the number of newborns has been attributed to late marriages and people staying single.

As Japan continues to grapple with this pressing issue, the world watches closely, recognizing the potential global implications of a rapidly aging society and a shrinking workforce. The question remains: Can Japan find a solution to its demographic crisis before it's too late? Only time will tell.