Japan's Child Population Declines to Record Low of 13.66 Million

Japan's child population has hit a record low for the 44th consecutive year, dropping to 13.66 million as of April 1, according to government data. Children under 15 now make up just 11.1% of the total population, the lowest percentage since records began in 1950 and second only to South Korea among countries with over 40 million people. The declining trend is evident across all prefectures, with Okinawa having the highest ratio of children and Akita the lowest. Despite various government initiatives, including increased financial support and expanded daycare, efforts to reverse the falling birthrate have not succeeded. The shrinking number of young people is raising concerns about the sustainability of Japan's workforce and social welfare systems. The trend underscores a demographic crisis with significant economic and societal implications.