The number of babies born to Japanese citizens in Japan hit a record low of 671,236 in 2025, with the country’s total fertility rate also dropping to a new low, standing at 1.14. This decline marks the 10th consecutive year of decreasing births and fertility rates. Despite the reduction, the pace of decline has slowed compared to recent years, according to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
In contrast, the number of marriages in Japan rose for the second year in a row to 489,119. The average age for men getting married was 31.0, while for women, it was 29.7, both showing a decrease from the previous year. Marriages are considered a key factor influencing future birth trends.
Japan reported 1,589,489 deaths, marking the first decrease in five years. However, deaths exceeded births by 918,253, leading to the 19th consecutive year of population decline in the country. The child population in Japan also saw a significant drop, reaching an estimated 13.29 million, the lowest in 45 years.
The ratio of children under 15 years old in Japan decreased to 10.8% of the total population, the lowest since 1950. Despite government efforts to support families financially and combat the declining birthrate, the population decline has persisted for 45 years. The Japanese government has declared the period until 2030 as a “final opportunity to reverse the trend” in response to the ongoing demographic challenges.
