Japanese birth rate falls to record low as deaths hit record high
The number of babies born in Japan fell to a record low of 720,988 in 2024 marking the ninth consecutive year of decline, the health ministry said on Thursday.
Births were down 5 per cent on the year, despite measures in 2023 by the government of Fumio Kishida, the former prime minister, to boost the rate. A record number of 1.62 million deaths meant that more than two people died for every new baby born.
The stark figures underscore the growing issue of a rapidly ageing and shrinking Japanese population.
Fertility rates in neighbouring South Korea rose for the first time in nine years in 2024 after the rollout of new measures encouraging young people to marry and have children, however, the trend is yet to spread to Japan.
Takumi Fujinami, an economist at the Japan Research Institute, said the country's falling birth rate was linked to fewer marriages.
Although the number of marriages edged up 2.2 per cent to 499,999 in 2024, that only came after steep declines, such as a plunge of 12.7 per cent in 2020.
Fujinami said: 'The impact could linger on in 2025 as well.'
Unlike in Western countries, a small proportion of every 100 babies are born out of wedlock in Japan, suggesting a stronger correlation between marriage and births.
The increase in South Korea's fertility rate, from 0.72 in 2023 to 0.75 in 2024, has raised hopes that the neighbouring nation's demographic crisis may have turned a corner.
The most recent corresponding data for Japan puts the average number of babies a woman is expected to have during her reproductive life at 1.2 as of 2023.
Mr Fujinami warned it was too early for any meaningful comparison between the two countries' figures, but said it was important for both to improve job opportunities and close the gender gap to encourage young people to marry and have children.
Experts believe South Korea's up-tick in birth rates came after increased government support in the areas of work-family balance, childcare and housing, as well as a campaign encouraging businesses to nudge employees towards parenthood.
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
13 minutes ago
- New York Post
China chows on US fast food at London trade talks
China's trade negotiators surrendered at the end of the second day of US trade talks in London — by feasting on American fast food, The Post has learned. The famished Chinese delegation ordered a delivery of McDonald's, Burger King and KFC after the day-long negotiations at just after 7:30 p.m. local time, sources said. Team Trump — featuring Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer — also turned to a fast-food option. However, they dined on takeout from Pizza Express, a British chain specializing in handmade pizzas, the sources told The Post. 4 Chinese officials were left humiliated at the end of trade talks against Trump's team by ordering takeout made up entirely of US fast food. The president, seen above during the campaign last year, is a known aficionado of McDonald's meals. Getty Images One insider branded Beijing's gastronomic choices as 'a total cultural victory' for the United States, even though there was no deal announced on ending the tariff trade spat in sight. 4 The Trump administration team dined out on handmade pizzas from the British restaurant chain Pizza Express, sources said. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images A spokesman for China's embassy to the UK did not respond to The Post's request for comment. The US and China meting at Lancaster House to try and build on negotiations in Geneva last month that agreed to a 90-day suspension of most of the 100%-plus tariffs they had imposed on each other in an escalating global trade war. Lancaster House, an 18th-century mansion a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, is close to the upmarket neighborhood of Mayfair that is home to some of the British capital's best restaurants. The move by Chinese officials, led by Vice Premier He Lifeng, may be seen as a blow to the host country, which has repeatedly seen its culinary capabilities derided by snooty foreigners throughout history. Insiders refused to be drawn in on whether the meals of choice for Beijing's top brass could raise the chances of success for a possible agreement with Washington. 4 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who called the talks 'productive', has left London to appear in Congress on Wednesday. REUTERS Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is on the way back to DC and will debrief Congress on Wednesday, called the meeting 'productive.' On Monday, President Trump told reporters: 'We are doing well with China. China's not easy.' The commander-in-chief is known to be a fast food aficionado and even served diners at a McDonald's drive-thru during a campaign stop in the swing state of Pennsylvania in October. 4 Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and his team snubbed some of London's finest restaurants on Tuesday. REUTERS His preferred order at the Chicago-based fast food chain is two Big Macs, two Filet-o-Fish sandwiches, and a chocolate milkshake, according to a 2017 book written by two former campaign staffers. The 'Let Trump Be Trump: The Inside Story of His Rise to the Presidency' tome was penned by Corey Lewandowski and David Bossi. On the table for trade talks, aside from the fast food, are the levies slapped on semiconductors that power artificial intelligence, visas for Chinese students at American universities, and rare earth minerals that are vital to carmakers and other industries. The negotiations were sparked by the threat of Trump's so-called Liberation Day reciprocal tariffs, which he threatened to slap on countries that he believed had been treating the US unfairly.
Business Wire
33 minutes ago
- Business Wire
RGA and SOA Research Institute Release Comprehensive Study on Retirement Readiness in Japan
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Society of Actuaries (SOA) Research Institute, in collaboration with Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE: RGA), a leading global life and health reinsurer, today released a new report titled 'Retirement Readiness in Japan: Financial Security and Risk Perceptions.' The study provides critical insights into the evolving retirement landscape in Japan, offering valuable information for insurers, policymakers, and financial advisors. This research underscores the urgent need for innovative retirement solutions that address both income security and health-related financial risks. Share The study, based on a November 2024 joint consumer survey conducted by the SOA and RGA among 750 Japanese respondents across three age groups (Prime Age Workers: ages 30-45, Pre-Retirees: ages 46-59, and Retirees: ages 60-75), reveals a maturing retirement system facing significant demographic pressures. With nearly 29% of Japan's population aged 65 or older 1, the need for robust retirement planning and financial products is more critical than ever. Key findings: Financial Literacy: 17% of respondents reported no knowledge at all about investment and financial products, and 42% indicated 'not very knowledgeable.' Generational Divide in Planning: Retirees show significantly higher engagement in retirement planning compared to younger cohorts, with 37% of Prime Age Workers and 45% of Pre-Retirees not having done any retirement planning. Post-Retirement Concerns about Factors Outside of Individual's Control Dominate: 90% of respondents consider tax increase and impact of an aging society on government support as their top concerns. Source of Retirement Income: Prime Age Workers and Pre-Retirees are not confident that their retirement savings are sufficient; 89% of them expect to rely on full- or part-time job earnings as part of their retirement income. Preference on Financial Products with Guaranteed or Fixed Income: Guaranteed income for life (43%) and fixed income throughout retirement (39%) are considered top financial/investment product features for retirement income, indicating preference for risk-averse options. Significant Interest in Annuity Products: 73% of respondents expressed interest in annuities with increased payments for critical illness or disability or tax-deferred annuity (65%). Improved Engagement in Retirement Planning Since 2018: Overall engagement has improved. Willingness to buy lifetime income products increased from 22% in 2018 to 35% in 2024. Respondents who are very involved in managing their retirement savings increased significantly from 21% to 50%. 'This research underscores the urgent need for innovative retirement solutions that address both income security and health-related financial risks,' said Hironori Takahashi, Chief Executive Officer, RGA Japan. 'The findings reveal significant opportunities for the insurance industry to develop tailored solutions that address the evolving needs and enhance financial security for Japan's rapidly aging population of retirees.' 'This report provides insights on the generational differences in retirement preparedness,' said R. Dale Hall, FSA, MAAA, CERA, CFA, Managing Director of Research, SOA Research Institute. 'Our study reveals that while 59% of Retirees review their social pension benefits, only 23% of Pre-Retirees and 17% of Prime Age Workers do so. Also, 37% of Prime Age Workers and 45% of Pre-Retirees haven't done any retirement planning at all. We encourage proactive retirement strategies across all age groups, working with employers, insurers, and policymakers.' The full report offers in-depth analysis of retirement perceptions, planning behaviors, income sources, and risk management strategies, providing a comprehensive view of retirement readiness in Japan. For more information about the study, access the full report. About RGA Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE: RGA) is a global industry leader specializing in life and health reinsurance and financial solutions that help clients effectively manage risk and optimize capital. Founded in 1973, RGA is today one of the world's largest and most respected reinsurers and remains guided by a powerful purpose: to make financial protection accessible to all. As a global capabilities and solutions leader, RGA empowers partners through bold innovation, relentless execution, and dedicated client focus — all directed toward creating sustainable long-term value. RGA has approximately $4.0 trillion of life reinsurance in force and assets of $128.2 billion as of March 31, 2025. To learn more about RGA and its businesses, please visit or follow RGA on LinkedIn and Facebook. Investors can learn more at About the Society of Actuaries With roots dating back to 1889, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) is the world's largest actuarial professional organization with more than 34,000 actuaries as members. The SOA's vision is for actuaries to be the leading professionals in measuring and managing risk. To learn more, visit The SOA Research Institute provides objective, data-driven research bringing together tried and true practices and future-focused approaches to address societal challenges and your business needs. It provides trusted knowledge, extensive experience and new technologies to help effectively identify, predict and manage risks. Visit
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
LA anti-ICE looters shatter Apple store and make off with iPhones, Adidas in another night of chaos
Looters tore apart stores across Los Angeles as daytime protests against ICE-immigration raids descended into chaos overnight, yet again — and even a museum dedicated to Japanese-American immigrants was vandalized. Windows were smashed and merchandise was stolen at LA's Broadway Apple store Monday night, while down the block the Adidas store was broken into and robbed of sneakers by frenzied crowds. The windows of a nearby jewelry store were also smashed open and the shop's shelves were completely emptied by looters, while two marijuana dispensaries and a pharmacy were also raided, according to NBC 4. 4 A worker boards up an Adidas store after it was looted following days of protests against federal immigration sweeps and the deployment of the California National Guard and U.S. Marines, in downtown Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 10, 2025. REUTERS Footage from the chaos showed mobs masked and hooded hooligans pouring into the stores and grabbing armloads of whatever was in sight and then pouring back out onto the street spilling goods as they fled. Some ran right into the ranks of waiting cops, but many were able to muscle themselves free from the overwhelmed officers and escape. 'This is so ridiculous. This doesn't look like they're protesting for ICE or anything. Just looting the stores,' one fed up business owner who watched the overnight chaos unfold told News Nation. Across town in Little Tokyo, a sushi restaurant — Otoro Sushi — even had its doors ripped open by mobs, with troublemakers appearing to make off with a computer monitor and other equipment while onlookers yelled that they were 'Making us look bad.' 4 Products lie scattered in an Apple store after it was looted following days of protests against federal immigration sweeps and the deployment of the California National Guard and U.S. Marines, in downtown Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 10, 2025. REUTERS 4 People clean graffiti after days of protests against federal immigration sweeps and the deployment of the California National Guard and US Marines, outside the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 10, 2025. REUTERS The Japanese American National Museum was even targeted, with 'F**k ICE' and other graffiti spray-painted across windows, walls, and even over what appeared to be an outdoor exhibit about Japanese-American soldiers who fought in WWII as their families were locked away in internment camps. Volunteers flocked to the museum Tuesday morning with brushes and soap to help scrub away what vandalism they could, photos showed. And back on Broadway workers were seen laboring to sweep up and take stock of the damaged stores, while shattered windows and doors were boarded up. 4 Broken glass lies on the floor of a cannabis stores after it was looted following days of protests against federal immigration sweeps and the deployment of the California National Guard and U.S. Marines, in downtown Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 10, 2025. REUTERS At least 14 people were arrested for looting, according to police, while another 96 were arrested for failure to disperse. The protests were expected to continue for a fifth day and night Tuesday, as President Trump dispatched another round of National Guard troops — as well as Marines forces — to quell the chaos. Those deployments — which California's and LA's Democrat leaders say have done nothing but fuel the chaos in the city — is expected to cost at least $134 million, the Pentagon revealed Tuesday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said its likely the troops will remain in LA for about 60 days, telling a House budget hearing that the protestors were 'rioters, looters and thugs.' Chaos was sparked in the City of Angels Friday after ICE carried out numerous raids to arrest suspected illegal immigrants. Activists attempted to block the raids and later picketed a downtown detention center where some of the detainees were being held, before the demonstrations snowballed into all-out riots in some areas.
