Full Breakdown
Japan's Child Population Hits Record Low Amid Decades-Long Decline
5/4/2026, 9:15:28 PM
Record Low and Historical Trend
The Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry reported that, as of April 1, 2024, children under 15 numbered 13.29 million—a drop of 350,000 from the previous year. This marks the 45th consecutive year of decline and the lowest level recorded since comparable data began in 1950. Japan’s child population peaked at 29.89 million in 1954 and has fallen steadily since 1982, with a secondary baby boom only between 1971 and 1974. The Health, Labour, and Welfare Ministry noted that births in 2025 fell to a record low of 705,809, the tenth year of decline.
Age, Gender, and Cohort Distribution
The 13.29 million children comprise 6.81 million boys and 6.48 million girls. By age, 3.09 million are 12-14, 2.96 million are 9-11, 2.68 million are 6-8, 2.43 million are 3-5, and 2.13 million are under two, the smallest cohort.
International Standing
A United Nations survey places Japan second-lowest in child-population ratio among 38 nations with populations exceeding 40 million. South Korea records the lowest at 10.2 percent, while Italy and Spain rank at 11.7 percent and 12.6 percent respectively.
Why It Matters
With children constituting only 10.8 percent of the total population—the second-lowest among 38 nations with populations exceeding 40 million—Japan faces a demographic challenge that has driven the government to prioritise birth-rate reversal measures.
Government Response and Policy Outlook
The government has labelled the period through 2030 a “final opportunity to reverse the trend” and has expanded financial support for child-rearing households. Officials acknowledge that the decline has persisted for 45 years despite these measures.
Key Data Summary
- Children under 15: 13.29 million (10.8 % of population)
- Gender split: 6.81 million boys, 6.48 million girls
- 2025 births: 705,809 (record low)
- Children aged 0-2: 2.13 million (smallest cohort)
- International rank: 2nd lowest child-population ratio among large-population nations
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Health, Labour, and Welfare Ministry's preliminary data revealed that the number of children, including foreigners, born in Japan in 2025 hit a record low of 705,809, marking the 10th consecutive year of decline.” — Health, Labour, and Welfare Ministry
- “While the government has prioritised measures to address the declining birthrate and designated the period through 2030 as a "final opportunity to reverse the trend", the decline has continued for 45 years despite steps such as expanding financial support for child-rearing households.” — Government spokesperson (as reported by Kyodo News)
What’s Next
The government has indicated that policy efforts will continue through the 2030 deadline, which it has described as a final opportunity to reverse the demographic trend.
