Japan's Shrinking Population: Government Worries As Country's Birth Rate Figures Hit A Record Low (Photo: Freepik)
Japan's sinking population: The issue of Japan's rapid decline in population has been discussed globally, but some recent figures paint an even more alarming picture. According to government data, the country's population fell to a record low in 2024 after there was a steep decline in the birth rate. Considered to be the world's fourth-largest economy, Japan's population hit the 120.3 million mark as of October 2024, which is very less. It is being said that there has been a 'record fall' of approximately 8,98,000 people in the population from 2023.
The country's government is majorly worried, since this population decline will have negative consequences on other aspects of Japan's economy. In fact, it has been noted that there is a year-on-year shrinking of population in the country, which has made people anxious. For one, it will impact Japan's workforce in the future which, in turn, may harm the country's economy. Some experts are saying that it can also threaten its national security.
According to news reports, Japan's population hit a new low for the 14th year. But, this one is being considered to be its largest recorded fall yet, since 1950, when the country first began collecting data.
It should be noted that in Japan, the age group of 75 years and older makes up for a record 16.8 per cent of the entire population. Earlier this week, the government revealed that approximately 29.3 per cent of Japan's population comprises individuals aged 65 years and above.
The country's chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi was quoted as telling reporters: "We understand that the declining birth rate is continuing, because many people who wish to raise children are not able to fulfill their wishes." According to Hayashi, the Japanese government is trying to help families and encourage them to have children, especially those who want to have families of their own, but are facing financial constraints.
