Japan's birth rate has reached a record low of 720,988 in 2024, marking a ninth consecutive year of decline, according to the health ministry. Births dropped by 5% despite efforts by former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government in 2023 to encourage childbearing. Meanwhile, the number of deaths surged to a record 1.62 million, resulting in more deaths than births in the country.

Axar.az, citing Reuters, reports that the decline in childbirth is linked to fewer marriages, which were significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the number of marriages rose by 2.2% in 2024 to 499,999, this came after sharp declines, such as a 12.7% drop in 2020. Experts suggest that the pandemic’s effects may still influence trends in 2025. Japan’s fertility rate in 2023 was 1.20, significantly lower than South Korea's improved rate of 0.75 in 2024, which is attributed to government support in work-family balance, childcare, and housing.

Despite South Korea’s recent positive demographic shift, Japan continues to face challenges in reversing its declining birth rate, with experts calling for more support in work-life balance and closing the gender gap to encourage marriage and childbearing.