Japan Records 10th Consecutive Year of Declining Births Amid Population Challenges

Japan recorded 705,809 births in 2025, marking the 10th consecutive year of decline with a 2.1% drop from 2024, according to official data. The country's population fell by 0.47% to 122.86 million, intensifying challenges like labor shortages, rising social security costs, and a shrinking workforce. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi acknowledged the issue as a 'quiet state of emergency.' Despite efforts to boost births, including local initiatives, immigration remains a contentious topic amid political pressures.