Japan's child population falls for 42nd straight year to new record low

No surprise there.

Every citizen knows what have to be done just politicians pretend that throwing money at people will help.

They know what should be done if they want people to consider having (more) kids:

Ensure a proper work-life balance for all employees

Ensure decent wages for all employees

Stop useless stuff like PTA, forced club activities, or any mandatory activities for both parents and children

Free education and healthcare for pregnant women and all children

Ban Juku

Change the education system to make it more interesting and stop the stressful exams starting when kids are 12 until they are at University

Anything else?

We here in Okinawa are doing our part.

So many explaining statistics of population decline but where the actual action to reverse that? Another government pledge?

Ensure a proper work-life balance for all employees

Easier said than done. A goal no doubt, but impossible to attain.

Ensure decent wages for all employees

Again, easier said than done. One problem is the high value companies place on employees with useless, well pretty much useless certifications. Who the hell "needs" EIKEN 2 kyu?

Stop useless stuff like PTA, forced club activities, or any mandatory activities for both parents and children

PTA serves a purpose, and that one should stay, as it keeps parents involved, in one way or another, with school. Club activities need to be changed. Stop having teachers as "coaches", team sports and extracurricular activities are essential parts of any child's education. The system needs adjustment, not the activities.

Free education and healthcare for pregnant women and all children

Pregnant women dont need "free education" their children do. If you are talking about prenatal care, that's a different subject. Free daycare/childcare needs to be implemented. Far too many women work to pay for child care and have too little left over.

Ban Juku

Lol, preaching to the choir, but never happen, not as long as there are discriminatory exams to enter higher education or "better" schools.

Change the education system to make it more interesting and stop the stressful exams starting when kids are 12 until they are at University

Another easy to say, hard to implement. People make suggestions, or throw out ideas like this, yet dont take the time to consider just what they are talking about. Changes have been made, and it seems you arent aware of them, as you made this comment.

Anything else?

Yeah, educate yourself as to the changes already in place, and understand the time it takes Japan to implement something new.

Meaning, learn to be realistic and dont expect a someone to snap their fingers an make changes in an instant.

A couple of your ideas are viable, and worthy goals, but many are totally unrealistic and fantasy at best.

The current pension only hands out 7man per month @dan how to live with that pension?

The government is being deeply hypocritical about this, on one side making endless declarations about it being a serious problem that is a huge priority, but on the other completely refusing to put forward the measures that are necessary to promote families having more children. This is something that would require a full social change and long and expensive investment (both in economical and political funds) as long as the government is not willing to do this then it is irrelevant how much they call it a problem, they are not doing anything effective to solve it.

gov do nothing to support young families with kids.

kids here have no idea what real childhood is.school,bukatsu,juku.no free time with friends.forced bysy schedule.no family time together.

school fees etc very pricey,we live in country where to raize pricey dog is cheaper than kid from kindergarden till say university.so people choose dog instead of kid.

ldp crooks having a lot of empty talk but no action.boring phrases about "urging of this and that"solve nothing.

The number of children aged 14 or younger, including foreigners, was 14.35 million as of April 1, down by around 300,000 from a year earlier

A 2% fall in one year. That's big. The population as a whole is falling much slower. In ten years, we're looking at maybe 15% fall in child-related demand and employment.

In Nagano, the competition to get into every senior high is at worst six kids for five places. People still say stuff like "oh Nagano High/Fukashi High are so hard to get into!" but it's stuck in the past nonsense. Some of the top schools end up with free places. They should just abandon the entrance exams and choose the entry based on school recommendations and interviews. Interviews should be enough to weed out any chancers and time wasters. Any kid going to an overly difficult school will suffer, and probably have to repeat a year, so there are already disincentives built into the system.

Not a bad thing - Japanese people have made the decision to depopulate for one main reason - the place is uncomfortably overcrowded. 

This is just plain wrong. Do a poll of Japanese young people, “country is uncomfortably overcrowded” is not a factor that weighs much on their decision to have children or not. Surveys indicate that the biggest factors are the economic burden and people marrying later in life.

Traditional Japanese society had women getting married between 18 and 24, becoming a stay home wife and popping out 2 or 3 kids. Not surprisingly, today many women don't want to get married until they are much older (30 on average). For many this is already too late to become pregnant.

There is no easy fix to the lack of children but the government could prepare better for the future by not wasting money in places that are going to become geriatric wastelands.

The current pension only hands out 7man per month @dan how to live with that pension?

It has been common knowledge since I can remember that a successful pension plan does not rely solely on one source.

A diverse portfolio is required and has been the strategy for well over 50 years.

To live on a single pension, it is necessary to invest savings and make it grow. Earlier the better.

Not NEW problem clearly, attribution FAR more difficult. There is no silver bullet but Japan's the OUTLIER, worst amongst its PEER group. Why? Some factors include:

1) Culture Capture, failure to integrate as fast globally

e.g. poor digital ranking

2) Ongoing fall-out from 'bubble', societal trauma, lack of risk taking etc.

3) Equality of Sexes, poor ranking, women NOT happy

4) SLOW, case in point EV transition

5) Human and Financial Capital flight, talent and capital prefer GLOBAL science * tech, NOT country based

6) BOJ take-over of assets, meaning capitalism's not dynamic but zombie like

7) China

8) Internet - availability of information

9) Education not linked to Corp global needs e.g. kanji

10) No Global Media STAR power, hard to influence when nobody's listening, see #1 above, equals RISKY

Lot there and surely more but it boils down to INCREASING CONFIDENCE in Future!

Each child represents a vote for Japan and its future.

The decline on birth is worrisome for the working class but not for the rich and politicians. What this issue means for the future? That our today children will need to work more and have less to feed the aging population. They indeed will have less opportunities than us. Imagine a house of 10 where only two of them generate income and the rest eat. So that is what will happen in the near future. But why politician do nothing? Simple. They are rich enough to pass their wealth to their pupils and guarantee their future. Is not that simple? Sure, do not expect anything to improve such issue.

Some good points above. One thing I'll add is that there's been a steady consolidation of population in the "Nana-dai-toshi" - and most specifically Tokyo.

The top 8 prefectures in terms of population had a total population of 63.98 million, and accounted for more than 50 percent (50.7 percent) of the total population. (from Stats Bureau of Japan)

Big cities are not conducive to multi-children households. We raised 3 in Tokyo and it was TOUGH. Even simple tasks like going to a grocery store with 3 kids where aisles are narrow, barely accommodate carts and let alone strollers were a huge ordeal. Elevators are being incorporated in many places but it aren't universal. Try taking 3 small children up a couple of flight of stairs - near impossible (a heart pounding workout!). There needs to be a greater effort by the government to revitalize the "chi-ho" and small to mid size towns/cities, wooing businesses, creating attractive jobs, creating real incentives to spread younger folks across the country.

We feel like we have done my part with 3. I hope others will do the same. BTW - I am so glad we did. It's been the greatest blessing!

How low and how bad could it possibly get?!

And then what?!

They should just abandon the entrance exams and choose the entry based on school recommendations and interviews.

Do you have any idea the Pandora's box of problems you are suggesting here? HS education here is far too discriminatory already, and what you are suggesting WILL make it worse.

Japan's child population falls for 42nd straight year to new record low

welcome to the 42 annual announcement of this.

it's inevitable we will be here in 8 years saying it for the 50th time..............

Provide public schools for mixed race children this population demographic is large in Japan and the bullying that goes on is horrendous. There are so many parents over here married to Japanese nationals who cannot afford the international schools and that forces many parents to move back to their home countries along with their Japanese spouse. My child and I are separated by an ocean right now, because of the bullying by teachers and fellow classmates and my child was suffering greatly. Poor grades year after year, and now my child is acing school only A's and B's and I wanted my child to grow up here to learn their Japanese culture but instead they are losing their Japanese speaking ability, we are having to live separately so I can support their life financially and the whole situation is miserable. Having a mixed-race child in this country can be a miserable one and my story is not an unusual one, unfortunately.

 Having a mixed-race child in this country can be a miserable one and my story is not an unusual one, unfortunately.

Sadly no it's not unusual, but it is definitely NOT the norm. Compared to 30 or 40 years ago, it's light years better and getting better still.

Oh and keep in mind, Japanese kids face more bullying than mixed race one's.

Provide public schools for mixed race children this population demographic is large in Japan and the bullying that goes on is horrendous

Right, make things even worse, by openly segregating the children even more. Oh and the demographic is miniscule to even implement a suggestion such as yours. Think about it, what you suggest is a school built staffed and funded by the government, for maybe what 1 kid in 1 town, in 1 prefecture?

As a parent I would not allow bullying of my child.

What do you mean by mixed race? One Japanese one non-Asian-Japanese parent? Are there enough mixed-race children to warrant a special school and would children want to attend them? Could also be a stigma.

There are many on this forum who are of mixed race.

School bullying and suicides are major issues for all children.

I am the father of two mixed-race children in the UK so I can understand some of the problems.

As a parent I would not allow bullying of my child.

As a parent, this is easy to say, but wholly impossible. Parents can not prevent bullying, unless they choose to lock their kids up at home, and keep them away from anyone else.

What a parent can do, is help prevent bullying, but there is no way you can guarantee "not allowing" it to happen.

As a parent, this is easy to say, but wholly impossible.

No. In fact, entirely plausible and possible, and put into practice.

Parents can not prevent bullying, unless they choose to lock their kids up at home, and keep them away from anyone else.

Yes they can. Yes I did.

The reality is the number of kids is going to keep falling for the forseeable future. Japan is hardly alone in this.

In the past societal expectations were such that nearly everyone got married and had children. One good aspect perhaps is that fewer people who never should have children will have them.

Yes they can. Yes I did.

Really? How many other kids in your kids school are or were victims of bullying that you personally prevented? How many kids now have been stopped from bullying because of YOUR actions?

I have "been there done that", you can not stop bully 100% You can help prevent it, yes. Stop it, no.

Really? How many other kids in your kids school are or were victims of bullying that you personally prevented?

5 or so. Through my participation as a coach on one of the school teams.

How many kids now have been stopped from bullying because of YOUR actions?

Probably 100 or so.

Day 1 spoke with principal and teacher and let them know I would not tolerate bullying from anyone, and I hold them responsible. Basically, bullied them into understanding.

I have "been there done that", you can not stop bully 100% You can help prevent it, yes. Stop it, no.

Prevented it and stopped it. If you really want to do something, you can.

The material world is not helping, when people value having a nice car, nice smartphone, nice location of place to live, nice clothing,etc. over having kids.

Children's value so underestimated. Do as you wish but some don't come complaining when old. Proud father of 3 and keeping ready to help. Love my parents who have given me so much about experience and for having brothers and a sister.

Yubaru

"They should just abandon the entrance exams and choose the entry based on school recommendations and interviews."

Do you have any idea the Pandora's box of problems you are suggesting here? HS education here is far too discriminatory already, and what you are suggesting WILL make it worse.

It should be based on geography, like elementary and junior high. Simple.

MoonrakerToday 08:46 am JST

Each child represents a vote for Japan and its future.

-4( +2 / -6 )

Wonder if the downvoters have children.

What a parent can do, is help prevent bullying, but there is no way you can guarantee "not allowing" it to happen.

I don't know about Japan, but in the US you could get the bully arrested for assault. Would like to see more parents do this.

 There needs to be a greater effort by the government to revitalize the "chi-ho" and small to mid size towns/cities, wooing businesses, creating attractive jobs, creating real incentives to spread younger folks across the country.

Great POINT! Concentration in Tokyo, part of legacy hierarchy culture, world today's flat and merit based. Find me this successful legacy culture anywhere?

If you want a dynamic HOPEFUL society, concentration of wealth and power SURE path to FAILURE.

Merit based Competition and Transparency are BEST medicine to fight Stagnation and Corruption. Seems some disagree, those that PREFER Status Quo.

Numbers Clear, NOT WORKING, CHANGE needed ASAP!

Seems OUTSIDERS prefer Status Quo, as much easier to INFLUENCE and Control vs. 47 empowered Prefectures.

Not Coincidence MOST independent prefecture has HIGHEST % of Children = Okinawa!

Kyushu also well Removed from Tokyo's concentration of Power & Wealth or conversely Corruption & Stagnation, take your pick, and again NOT surprisingly ranks HIGH for % of Children.

Seems OBVIOUS to some of us....

Japan's child population by prefecture.

Tokyo and Akita have the lowest populations of children. Saga and Shiga are the highest.

https://stats-japan.com/t/kiji/12058

Grilledham&cheese

Then stop promoting abortion pills!

It would not change the situation. Women would just have a termination instead. Women's choice really.

NHK reported TODAY, children being 14 or YOUNGER

By prefecture, Okinawa had highest overall share of children at 16.3 percent as of October last year, followed by Shiga and Saga at 13.2 percent, and Kumamoto at 13 percent.

Akita Prefecture had lowest rate at 9.3 percent, followed by Aomori at 10.2 percent and Hokkaido at 10.3 percent.

Colder areas always have fewer kids but if one believes in CAGR, situation MUCH more dire than reported above.

For example, in Japan, 0-2yr olds, 2.43M per NHK, while 6-8yr olds, 3.08M, that's almost 5% per year as Japan massively ages and depopulation accelerate.

Do understand UK Lancet's current research on prior Covid-infection and Excess death is now in play globally.

Japan, 0-2yr olds, 2.43M per NHK

Keep in mind, this number includes foreign babies and DOES NOT include Japanese babies, either 1 or both parents OUTSIDE Japan. like official birth numbers do.

Translation? Japan's been average LESS than 800K in Japanese babies BORN in Japan last 3 years, steady decline, probably about 750K for 2022 if I had to 'guess'.

DIRE, as 1M babies approx. 80M population if held constant, so we're actually at 60M and dropping FAST!

I always tell people, BEST things in LIFE NOT FOR SALE and that includes Especially KIDS!!!!

Big bonus if they're angels, healthy and handsome but this does THANKFULLY correlate with time spent together, most important investment of all!

Happy Children's Day Japan and WORLD!!

The reason the population is dropping has nothing to do with school rules.

The costs of raising children are big.

But there's a general trend of single life and a distaste of sex.

And as with most problems in Japan, no one talks honestly about it or attempts to confront the reality.

I have two kids by the way.

One in university one in high school.

I asked them once was the population time bomb ever discussed in school.

Absolutely never.

In the past societal expectations were such that nearly everyone got married and had children. One good aspect perhaps is that fewer people who never should have children will have them.

Wish this were true, unfortunately it's wealthier and more educated having FEWEST kids. To almost a person they end up greatly regretting this choice, so choose wisely!

I asked them once was the population time bomb ever discussed in school.

Absolutely never.

Thanks for sharing, scary denial. Same goes for nearly everything it seems, as world races ahead and wonders about Japan/Galapagos...

Success requires global shared values and standards, not a risky country-based mindset, that's the secret sauce, as any kid anywhere can do it if given a fair shot!

Clay

In Japan in school or NHK they only talk about how wonderful their country is .

No problems in this utopia.

Although the view on the street seems to contradict that.

Back in the Taishō and Shōwa periods, a lot of families had up to 10 children. Probably to up the odds of successions. But as life became easier, and especially recently since the end of WW2, those traditional roles of man = king, woman = servant have grown a bit thin. The fact that boys are still treated as kings here contributes to girls and women turning away from these man-children and foregoing their traditional roles. I don’t blame them tbh.

But none of the govt’s throwing money and words around will amount to anything. Their priority is pumping money into defence.

We can quibble over the right number but it's best to have STABILITY vs. CHAOS!

Why does Tokyo have the lowest number of children? Is it because of the price of larger apartments?

My one cent in this conversation would be in order to expand you need space. If you look at Japan the biggest populations are centered in prefectures where the jobs are. The biggest elderly population is where there is a lot of space. People finish school and migrate from the country side to look for employment because there's no jobs there. You can only put so many fish in a fish bowl before the fish die off. In this case there's too many people located in those areas where the people are too tired to do anything because they have to work and have not time to play. They don't have no time to enjoy life, and think about marrying and having children. If the large corporation spread out in the country side and develop smaller communities around these large corporations the citizens will stay in those communities and provide a vibrant economic situation in those communities as they do in the most populated areas. Look at Golden Week how many people pack the trains to leave those areas to go back to their home towns, now just think of the money those communities are making when they return. People need to spread out to grow, and the more people packed in the more stress they pass off to others, perhaps this is one of the reasons the young kids do not want to marry.

'RECORD LOW'?????!!!

Does not make sense.

I bet it was lower in 1236 A D

@Moonraker "Each child represents a vote for Japan and its future"

Don't be so sure about that, my Japanese friends don't vote coz they think it's useless and a complete waste of time.

If all of the reasons why posted are true, it doesn’t fit with the poorest areas in the world, some unable to even feed themselves, don’t even have heated toilet seats, let alone toilets, or cars, or anything but a mud hut and a stick have the highest birthrates.

Maybe that’s a good model for Japan?

Japan is probably one of the easiest places in the world to have kids and give birth. The amount of subsidies and government aid they give is unthinkable in the US. My wife and I are both foreigners. The real problem is the general wages here. 250 - 300,000 JPY/ month is not enough for a family. And most firms are reluctant to hire a woman who wants to re enter the workforce after birth. The government would be better cutting the birth subsidies because they haven’t helped increase the birth rate and instead focus on increasing general wages so people can actually afford to have a family instead of just being able to afford the birth.

The government would be better.... (to) focus on increasing general wages.

How can the government raise private-sector wages?

Well this headline is going to run for the next 80 years, so better get used to it.

NHK stated 2,43M babies, 0-2 yrs. old, approx. +150K to Foreigner, given they have almost 2x as many babies, 2.5M in Japan, 3 year period, etc.

Translation, 2.25M babies Japanese Nationals in 2020, 2021 and 2022. That's 750K/Yr. average overall.

Only given steady decline in births, approx. 5% yr. recently, one could extrapolate approx. 2020, 800k, 2021, 750k, 2022, 700k.

Baby situation clearly FAR more serious than being reported with headline numbers. If Japan wants more kids, pursuing military escalation probably NOT great choice in terms of resources and public sentiment.

Rather, let's BUILD bridges especially in this region but everywhere, bridges that lead to helping humanity solve problems together and Peace and Prosperity!

If we get on serious bridge building path, we'll have LOTS more KIDS, I promise!

It’s a natural process.

there is nothing wrong about the declining population given the size of land, low production of basics such as energy and food, also the life style is not suitable for children. There is only one restaurant around us with nice steak, it doesn’t allow children even for lunch as it also serves alcohol. There’s no accommodation you can get at convenient parts of city that you can live with children due to lack of space.

nobody can change it. It’s not a blame for government. It’s just a natural process.