Japan’s population decline worsens as births hit record low

Recently released birth statistics show a startling snapshot of Japan’s ongoing population crisis.

Based on the preliminary figures derived from a national survey, the number of births recorded in Ehime Prefecture during the past year amounted to 7,005 infants.

This figure represents the lowest number of births since the commencement of statistical record-keeping for the prefecture, and showed an overall decrease of 472 births compared to the year prior.

The number of deaths exceeded 20,000 individuals, indicating a continued trend of rapid population decline within Ehime Prefecture.

These preliminary figures encompass foreign nationals residing in the prefecture, and the rate of decrease in births is calculated at 6.3%. This rate of decrease is higher than the national average decrease rate of 5.0%.

The total number of deaths recorded in the prefecture during the past year was 20,550, which is an increase of 23 deaths compared to the previous year.

The overall difference between births and deaths in the prefecture showed a negative gap of 13,545 – an alarming number for local and national authorities who will be monitoring the popular decline across Japan.

In response to this demographic challenge, the prefectural government is actively promoting various initiatives, including providing support for fathers to participate in child-rearing, facilitating relocation to the prefecture, and encouraging young individuals to seek employment opportunities within Ehime Prefecture in major cities such as Imabari.

Addressing the issue of population decline has been designated as the foremost priority by the prefectural administration and has also been a priority of the Japanese government, as they attempt to reverse trends that show a rapidly aging population.

Source: Television Ehime