Japan's Shrinking Child Population: A 44-Year Trend

Record Lows Highlight Ongoing Challenges in Japan's Demographic Landscape

Japan's child population has decreased for the 44th consecutive year, reaching a new record low, according to recent government data. This persistent decline underscores the country's ongoing struggle to combat its falling birth rate.

As of April 1st, the estimated child population (those under 15, including foreign residents) stood at 13.66 million, a decrease of 350,000 from the previous year. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications released these figures ahead of the national Children's Day holiday.

The ratio of children to the overall population also dropped, reaching 11.1 percent – the lowest since comparable data became available in 1950. This places Japan among the countries with the fewest children relative to their total population.

International comparisons reveal a concerning trend. According to U.N. data (with some differences in survey dates), Japan has the second-lowest ratio of children among 37 nations with populations of at least 40 million, second only to South Korea at 10.6 percent.

The Japanese government has implemented various measures to address the declining birth rate, including financial assistance for child-rearing households, expanded daycare services, and flexible work arrangements for parents. However, these initiatives have yet to halt the decades-long decline.

The data further breaks down the figures by gender, with 6.99 million boys and 6.66 million girls. Analysis by age group reveals 3.14 million children aged 12 to 14, compared to 2.22 million aged 0 to 2, highlighting the continuing trend of fewer births.

Japan's child population has been steadily decreasing since 1982, after peaking at 29.89 million in 1954. A second baby boom was observed between 1971 and 1974.

Data released by the government also showed that, as of October 1st of the previous year, the child population had decreased from the year before in all 47 prefectures. The figure exceeded 1 million only in Tokyo and neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture.