Japan has fewer children than ever Japan’s child population has reached a record low of 13.29 million, representing only 10.8% of the total population. This decline is attributed to falling birth rates, with the total fertility rate below 1.2 nationwide and even lower in Tokyo. Factors contributing to this trend include fewer marriages and a growing number of young Japanese who do not wish to start families, linked to a societal shift towards individualism and a high standard of living.

• Japan’s child population (under 15) has fallen to a historic low of 13.29 million.
• Children now constitute only 10.8% of Japan’s population, down from 35.1% in 1950 and 14.5% in 2000.
• The total fertility rate is below 1.2 nationwide, and 0.99 in Tokyo.
• Declining birth rates are linked to fewer marriages and young people choosing not to start families.
• Societal shifts towards individualism and a focus on high living standards are identified as root causes.