Japan is witnessing an alarming demographic shift as the country’s population fell to a record low of 120.3 million by October 2024, marking a steep decline of 8.98 lakh compared to 2023. This is the most significant drop since the government began collecting comparable statistics in 1950, according to Japan’s Interior Ministry.
The decline underscores a deepening youth crisis in the nation. Despite the government’s continued efforts to reverse the trend by offering financial incentives for childbirth and family support, the birth rate remains the lowest in the world. Experts attribute the situation to young Japanese citizens increasingly delaying marriage and opting out of parenthood due to economic and social pressures.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi acknowledged the severity of the issue, stating that the government is focused on offering more financial assistance to young couples willing to start families. However, demographic experts warn that such measures may not be sufficient unless broader cultural and economic reforms are introduced.
Compounding the issue is the decline in the foreign resident population. Although Japan has long depended on young foreign workers to fill labor shortages, its strict immigration policies have limited long-term residency. The latest data shows a noticeable drop in the number of foreign nationals, further impacting the country's already shrinking workforce.
With both native and foreign populations in decline, Japan’s demographic future hangs in the balance, prompting urgent calls for comprehensive reform.
