In 2024, the least children were born in Japan since the start of national statistics in 1899 – the Japanese Ministry of Health said on Wednesday. The number of births was only 686,000, which is the lowest result since the 19th century – said the AP agency.
The decrease in births occurs faster than expected: in 2024, nearly 6 percent were born. children less than in the previous year.
Tokyo streets, the capital of Japan Shutterstock
There are no encouragement on the Japanese
According to specialists implemented by the Zachęta government, they did not affect the attitudes of young people reluctant to marry, but focused mainly on couples that are already in marriage and plan children.
In the younger generation, however, the reluctance to choose this life path increases – including Due to poor professional perspectives, high maintenance costs and corporate culture, which imposes additional burdens on women.
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The population of Japan shrinks
It is expected that population Japancurrently amounting to about 124 million peoplewill shrink until 2070 to 87 million. As much as 40 percent The population will then be over 65 years old.
Fish market in TokyoPAP/EPA
Prime Minister Shigeru IShiba announced an increase in the flexibility of the work environment and the introduction of other means that would help couples combine work and parenthood. This would particularly apply to rural areas where conservative values ​​dominate, imposing on women greater than in cities of load.
Source of the main photo: Shutterstock