Japan's new birth rate hits all-time low in 2023 as demographic woes deepen

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Japan recorded a new record low in the number of births for an eighth consecutive year in 2023, according to preliminary government data released on Tuesday..

The data revealed a 5.1% decline in the number of births from the previous year, reaching 758,631...

This trend suggests an ongoing challenge for Japan in addressing depopulation issues, particularly as out-of-wedlock births are uncommon in the country...

In response to the latest data on declining birth rates, Japan's top government spokesperson told Reuters that the government is committed to implementing "unprecedented steps.".

Projections from the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research estimate that Japan's population could decline by approximately 30% to 87 million by 2070, with a significant proportion being individuals aged 65 or older, highlighting the urgency of addressing demographic shifts.. . Published on: Feb 27, 2024, 5:28 PM IST ..