Japan’s declining birth rate: A ticking time bomb for the country’s future?

Japan’s birth rate has been steadily declining for decades, resulting in a sharp drop in the number of children. In 2021, the population of children aged 14 or younger reached another record low, with around 14.01 million as of April 1. This decline has caused the ratio of children to Japan’s total population to decrease to an all-time low of 11.3%.

The aging population is putting pressure on Japan’s medical and social security expenses, while labor shortages persist due to a declining population. This demographic trend is expected to worsen as Japan’s birth rate remains one of the lowest in the world and continues to fall below the replacement rate.

With these challenges looming over it, Japan’s future outlook for population growth is concerning. The aging population, low birth rate, and declining number of children pose significant economic and social obstacles for the country. Addressing these issues will be crucial for Japan’s long-term sustainability and prosperity.