Japan’s Birth Rate Continues Decade-Long Decline Under First Female Prime Minister

TOKYO – Japan’s ongoing demographic crisis deepened in 2025, with births falling for the tenth consecutive year as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration grapples with implementing policies to reverse the trend. Preliminary data released by the Labour Ministry on February 26 indicates a 2.1% decrease in newborns, totaling approximately 706,000. Simultaneously, deaths declined by 0.8% to around 1.6 million.

Takaichi’s Policy Proposals

Prior to assuming office in October 2025, Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, outlined several proposals aimed at addressing the declining birth rate. These included tax incentives for babysitters and household assistance, as well as corporate tax reductions for companies offering on-site childcare facilities . She similarly pledged to establish a national qualification system for childcare professionals and improve their compensation and working conditions.

During the opening of the parliamentary session last week, Takaichi announced plans to reduce costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth, encompassing prenatal care and delivery expenses. Still, as of February 26, 2026, none of these proposals have been enacted.

Broader Population Agenda

The preliminary population data encompasses births to foreign residents in Japan and Japanese nationals residing abroad. The finalized figure for 2024, which focuses solely on Japanese citizens within Japan, was approximately 686,000 – the lowest number recorded since data collection began in 1899. The final 2024 figures are typically released in September.

Some observers suggest a shift in governmental priorities, with increased emphasis on national security and immigration policies compared to previous administrations. Former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida introduced a 3.6 trillion yen (approximately $29 billion) childcare package in 2023, which his successor, Shigeru Ishiba, continued to support.

Under Takaichi’s leadership, child policy has been integrated into a broader population agenda that also addresses issues related to foreign nationals. Hitoshi Kikawada, the minister responsible for tackling the shrinking population, concurrently oversees 11 other portfolios, including territorial disputes and food safety, raising concerns about the level of focus dedicated to the birth rate issue .

International Comparisons

Japan is not the only nation confronting demographic decline. South Korea has seen a recent positive trend, with its fertility rate increasing for the second consecutive year in 2025, attributed to a recovery in marriages and incentives aimed at easing the financial burden of raising children.

Elsewhere, US President Donald Trump has proposed a $5,000 baby bonus, even as China is considering an annual allowance of 3,600 yuan (approximately $665) per child under the age of three.