Declining Birth Rate in Japan
The number of babies born in Japan hit a record low in 2024, marking a ninth consecutive year of decline. This decline is attributed to fewer marriages, which have decreased due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While neighboring South Korea saw a rise in the fertility rate in 2024, Japan's trend remains unchanged. Experts suggest improving job opportunities, closing the gender gap, and providing government support for work-family balance, child care, and housing to encourage childbearing.