According to a preliminary report from Japan's health ministry, the number of births in the first half of the year reached 350,074, marking the lowest count since 1969. This number reflects a decline of 5.7 percent, or 20,978 fewer births, when compared to the same timeframe last year. The data also indicates that the downward trend in the birth rate continues, with 2023 experiencing a decrease of 3.6 percent, which equates to 13,890 fewer births compared to the previous year.

This decline represents the third consecutive year where births have fallen below the 400,000 mark in the January to June period. The ministry had previously disclosed that a total of 727,277 children were born in 2023, a figure that stands as the lowest since the start of statistical records in 1899. In light of these concerning statistics, the Japanese government announced its commitment to implementing "extraordinary measures" aimed at reversing this trend in birth rates.

Among the strategies included in the Children’s Future Strategy are increased child allowances and the elimination of income thresholds intended to alleviate the financial strain on parents concerning educational expenses. On a related note, the report from the ministry highlighted a rise in the number of deaths for the first half of 2024, totaling 811,819, which is 14,103 more than the previous year—a figure that also represents the highest death count since 1969. In contrast, marriages in the same period saw an uptick, with 248,513 recorded, an increase of 2,181 compared to the previous year.