Japan's Depleted Youth: A Look at the Record-Low Number of Kids Under 15
Reduction of Minors Under 15 in Japan Significantly Declines
Japan's youth population, folks under 15, has hit a frightening low – never seen since 1950, according to a report from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as reported by RIA Novosti. Ahead of Children's Day, Japan's national holiday, the data shows a staggering drop. As of April 1, there were approximately 13.7 million children under 15, a whopping decrease of 350,000 from the previous year.
The figures aren't pretty. Children now account for only 11.1% of Japan's 124 million population, placing Japan second to last (just above South Korea) in a UN ranking of 37 countries with populations over 40 million. South Korea trails behind, with a mere 10.6% of its population comprising the youth.
The Japanese government's attempts to boost birth rates, such as enhancing family allowances and expanding parental leave policies, including for fathers, haven't yielded the desired outcomes. Why? Let's explore.
Economic instability and financial insecurity plague many young adults in Japan, causing hesitation when it comes to having children. It's not just about missing paydays – changing social values are also playing a significant role. About 38% of respondents believe the decline in fertility is due to an increase in people reluctant to get married [5]. Add to that the aging population and the prolonged delay in marriage and childbearing, and you've got a recipe for a dwindling youth population.
On the other side of the globe, China's National Bureau of Statistics reported a population decrease of 1.39 million in 2023 compared to the previous year. By the end of 2024, China's population will be 1.4 billion, with a sex ratio of approximately 105 men for every 100 women. In response, Chinese authorities have ramped up their campaign to encourage childbirth.
Meanwhile, in the Vologda Oblast, the number of abortions has halved – a 13-fold decrease.
The Japanese government is trying to combat this decline by offering financial support for child-rearing, raising wages for young people, and implementing comprehensive support programs aimed at creating a more child-friendly society. Yet, the results remain underwhelming. Could Japan's future look different if the youth population rebounds? Only time will tell.
The decline in Japan's youth population, particularly those under 15, has been attributed to factors such as economic instability and shifting social values, impacting parenting decisions [1]. Conversely, the information and communications technology sector and health-and-wellness industries could potentially benefit from this demographic change due to the increased demand for services catering to the aging population, thus influencing family health dynamics in Japan [2].
