Story perspectives

Japan's Birth Rate Plummets for 10th Year Amid Criticism

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Japan's birth rate fell for the 10th consecutive year in 2025, with about 706,000 newborns, a 2.1% decline from 2024.
The population declined by 580,000 to an estimated 122.86 million.
Marriages rose 1.1% to 505,656, while divorces fell 3.7%.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government faces criticism for limited progress in reversing these trends.
Officials say economic growth is needed to ease childcare burdens and address rural abandonment and demographic decline.

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Story summary

Japan's birth rate fell for the 10th consecutive year in 2025, with about 706,000 newborns, a 2.1% decline from 2024.
The population declined by 580,000 to an estimated 122.86 million.
Marriages rose 1.1% to 505,656, while divorces fell 3.7%.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government faces criticism for limited progress in reversing these trends.
Officials say economic growth is needed to ease childcare burdens and address rural abandonment and demographic decline.