In 2023, there were around *** live births per 1,000 inhabitants in Japan, down from about *** in the previous year. The total number of live births in the nation amounted to approximately ******* in 2023. Japan’s super aging society Directly after the end of WWII, the live birth rate in Japan was over ** per 1,000 of population. The rate has constantly dropped in the last decades after the second baby boom (between 1971 and 1974). Meanwhile, the life expectancy of the Japanese people has increased, reaching about **** years for women and **** years for men in 2022. Due to the combination of both factors, Japan has developed into one of the most rapidly aging societies in the world. Almost ** percent of Japan’s population is currently aged 65 years and older, falling into the “super-aged nation” defined by international institutions and organizations.  Decreasing number of marriages In Japan, the number of births outside of marriage is small. The Japanese government, therefore, considers the decreasing number of marriages as the driving factor behind the country’s fertility decline. As of 2023, the number of marriages per 1,000 Japanese citizens was ***, less than half compared to that in the early *****. The average age of first marriage has also risen for both men and women. This trend can be partially attributed to the increasing number of employed and therefore financially and socially independent women in the past two decades. The employment rate of women in Japan exceeded ** percent for the first time in history in ****.

Japan fertility rate for 2025 is 1.38, a 0.51% increase from 2024.

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li>Japan fertility rate for 2024 was <strong>1.37</strong>, a <strong>0.51% increase</strong> from 2023.</li>
<li>Japan fertility rate for 2023 was <strong>1.37</strong>, a <strong>0.07% decline</strong> from 2022.</li>
<li>Japan fertility rate for 2022 was <strong>1.37</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from 2021.</li>
</ul>Total fertility rate represents the number of children that would be born to a woman if she were to live to the end of her childbearing years and bear children in accordance with age-specific fertility rates of the specified year.

Graph and download economic data for Fertility Rate, Total for Japan (SPDYNTFRTINJPN) from 1960 to 2023 about fertility, Japan, and rate.

The crude birth rate in Japan decreased by 0.3 live births per 1,000 inhabitants (-4.76 percent) in 2023 in comparison to the previous year. Therefore, the rate in Japan saw its lowest number in that year with six live births per 1,000 inhabitants. The crude birth rate is the annual number of live births divided by the total population, expressed per 1,000 people.Find more statistics on other topics about Japan with key insights such as total fertility rate, infant mortality rate, and life expectancy of women at birth.

Graph and download economic data for Crude Birth Rate for Japan (SPDYNCBRTINJPN) from 1960 to 2023 about birth, crude, Japan, and rate.

In Japan, the crude birth rate in 1800 was 29.6 live births per thousand people, meaning that approximately three percent of the population had been born in that year. From 1800 to 1865, Japan's crude birth rate rose gradually to around 34 births per thousand people, before dropping relatively sharply to 25 over the next ten years. This was a time of great social and economic reform in Japan, as the country became increasingly urbanized and industrialized. Japan's crude birth rate reached it's highest recorded point in the early 1920s, where the number was almost 35 births per thousand people, and since then it has been decreasing gradually. There were two times in the twentieth century where Japan's crude birth rate increased, after the Second World War, and during the period of economic prosperity in the 1960s and 70s. Since 1975, Japan's crude birth rate has gradually decreased to it's lowest recorded rate ever, and is expected to be at just 7.5 births per thousand people in 2020, making it the second lowest in the world (behind Monaco).

The fertility rate of a country is the average number of children that women from that country will have throughout their reproductive years. From 1800 until 1865, Japan's fertility rate grew quite gradually, from 4.1 children per woman, to 4.8. From this point the fertility rate drops to 3.6 over the next ten years, as Japan became more industrialized. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, Japan's fertility rate grew again, and reached it's highest recorded point in the early 1920s, where it was 5.4 children per woman. Since this point it has been gradually decreasing until now, although it did experience slight increases after the Second World War, and in the early 1970s. In recent decades Japan's population has aged extensively, and today, Japan has the second oldest population and second highest life expectancy in the world (after Monaco). In contrast to this, Japan has a very low birth rate, and it's fertility rate is expected to fall below 1.4 children per woman in 2020.

Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) in Japan was reported at 6 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Japan - Birth rate, crude - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Japan JP: Birth Rate: Crude: per 1000 People data was reported at 7.800 Ratio in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 8.000 Ratio for 2015. Japan JP: Birth Rate: Crude: per 1000 People data is updated yearly, averaging 10.800 Ratio from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 19.400 Ratio in 1973 and a record low of 7.800 Ratio in 2016. Japan JP: Birth Rate: Crude: per 1000 People data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Crude birth rate indicates the number of live births occurring during the year, per 1,000 population estimated at midyear. Subtracting the crude death rate from the crude birth rate provides the rate of natural increase, which is equal to the rate of population change in the absence of migration.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision. (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

In 2023, the total fertility rate (TFR) in Okinawa Prefecture amounted to 1.6, the highest among the 47 prefectures of Japan. By comparison, Tokyo Prefecture recorded the lowest fertility rate of 0.99. That year, the overall total fertility rate in the country stood at 1.2.

Adolescent fertility rate (births per 1,000 women ages 15-19) in Japan was reported at 1.737 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Japan - Adolescent fertility rate (births per 1,000 women ages 15-19) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Japan JP: Total Fertility Rate: Children per Woman data was reported at 1.300 Person in 2021. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.290 Person for 2020. Japan JP: Total Fertility Rate: Children per Woman data is updated yearly, averaging 1.375 Person from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2021, with 32 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.530 Person in 1991 and a record low of 1.270 Person in 2005. Japan JP: Total Fertility Rate: Children per Woman data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.OECD.GGI: Social: Demography: OECD Member: Annual.

In 2023, the total fertility rate in Japan decreased by 0.1 children per woman (-7.94 percent) compared to 2022. Therefore, the fertility rate in Japan saw its lowest number in that year with 1.2 children per woman. Notably, the fertility rate is continuously decreasing over the last years.The total fertility rate is the average number of children that a woman of childbearing age (generally considered 15 to 44 years) is expected to have throughout her reproductive years. Unlike birth rates, which are based on the actual number of live births in a given population, fertility rates are estimates (similar to life expectancy) that apply to a hypothetical woman, as they assume that current patterns in age-specific fertility will remain constant throughout her reproductive years.Find more statistics on other topics about Japan with key insights such as life expectancy of men at birth, life expectancy of women at birth, and death rate.

Graph and download economic data for Adolescent Fertility Rate for Japan (SPADOTFRTJPN) from 1960 to 2023 about 15 to 19 years, fertility, Japan, and rate.

Japan IPSS: Population: Projection: Medium Mortality: High Birth Rate data was reported at 94,903.610 Person th in 2065. This records a decrease from the previous number of 95,688.439 Person th for 2064. Japan IPSS: Population: Projection: Medium Mortality: High Birth Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 113,738.979 Person th from Dec 2015 (Median) to 2065, with 51 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 127,094.745 Person th in 2015 and a record low of 94,903.610 Person th in 2065. Japan IPSS: Population: Projection: Medium Mortality: High Birth Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Population and Social Security Research. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.G004: Population: Projection: National Institute of Population and Social Security Research.

Fertility rate, total (births per woman) in Japan was reported at 1.2 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Japan - Fertility rate, total (births per woman) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Vital Statistics: Japanese Only: Live Births Rate: Per 1000 Person data was reported at 7.600 % in Jul 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 7.400 % for Jun 2018. Vital Statistics: Japanese Only: Live Births Rate: Per 1000 Person data is updated monthly, averaging 8.900 % from Jan 1990 (Median) to Jul 2018, with 343 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.400 % in Sep 1994 and a record low of 7.100 % in Mar 2018. Vital Statistics: Japanese Only: Live Births Rate: Per 1000 Person data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.G005: Vital Statistics.

Between 1939 and 1950, Japan's annual fertility rate fluctuated between 3.1 and 4.4 births per woman, before spiking to 4.6 in 1947. This was the highest of the Axis powers listed, as European figures were generally much lower at this point in history. The increase in fertility that followed the Second World War was part of the global baby boom of the mid-twentieth century.

【リソース】Volume 1_4-1_Trends in live births, live birth rates (per 1,000 population), total fertility rates and sex ratio of live births:Japan / Volume 1_4-2_Trends in live births and live birth rates (per 1,000 population) by month:Japan / Volume 1_4-3_Trends in live births by each prefecture:Japan / Volume 1_4-4_Trends in live birth rates by each prefecture (per 1,000 population):Japan / Volume 1_4-5_Trends in total fertility rates by each prefecture:Japan / Volume 1_4-6_Trends in live births, percent distribution and rates (per 1,000 females) by age of mother:Japan / Volume 1_4-7_Trends in live births by place of delivery:Japan, urban/rural residence / Volume 1_4-8_Trends in percent distribution of live births by place of delivery:Japan, urban/rural residence / Volume 1_4-9_Live births by place of delivery:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2019 / Volume 1_4-10_Percent distribution of live births by place of delivery:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2019 / Volume 1_4-11_Trends in live births and percent distribution by birth order:Japan / Volume 1_4-12_Trends in live births and percent distribution by live birth order:Japan / Volume 1_4-13_Live births by birth order:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2019 / Volume 1_4-14_Percent distribution of live births by birth order:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2019 / Volume 1_4-15_Live births and percent distribution by live birth order and age of mother:Japan, 2019 / Volume 1_4-16_Live births and percent distribution by birth order and age of mother:Japan, 2019 / Volume 1_4-17_Trends in live births by age of mother, by live birth order:Japan / Volume 1_4-18_Trends in live birth rates by age of mother, by live birth order:Japan / Volume 1_4-19_Trends in mean age of mother by live birth order:Japan / Volume 1_4-20_Trends in mean age of father by live birth order:Japan / Volume 1_4-21_Mean age of father and mother by live birth order:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2019 / Volume 1_4-22_Trends in percent distribution of duration and mean duration from marriage performed to the first bearing (for live births born in wedlock only):Japan / Volume 1_4-23_Live births and percent distribution by live birth order and type of occupation of household:Japan, 2019 / Volume 1_4-24_Trends in live births and percent distribution by period of gestation:Japan / Volume 1_4-25_Trends in live births and percent distribution by sex and birth weight:Japan_(1) Male / Volume 1_4-25_Trends in live births and percent distribution by sex and birth weight:Japan_(2) Female / Volume 1_4-26_Mean birth weight, number and percent distribution of live births under 2,500g by sex :Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2019 / Volume 1_4-27_Live births and percent distribution by sex, birth weight and plurality of birth:Japan, 2019 / Volume 1_4-28_Live births and percent distribution under 2,500g by sex, age of mother and plurality of birth:Japan, 2019 / Volume 1_4-29_Trends in live births and percent distribution by legitimacy status :Japan / Volume 1_4-30_Trends in live births born out of wedlock and proportion by sex:Japan / Volume 1_4-31_Trends in live births born out of wedlock and proportion by age of mother:Japan / Volume 1_4-32_Trends in live births and percent distribution by nationality of father and mother:Japan / Volume 1_4-33_Live births by nationality of father and mother:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2019 / Volume 1_4-34_Percent distribution of live births by nationality of father and mother:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2019 / Volume 1_4-35_Live births and percent distribution by sex and birth length and mean birth length:Japan / Volume 1_4-36_Trends in deliveries by plurality of birth (type of plurality, combination of live birth and foetal death):Japan / Volume 1_4-37_Deliveries by plurality of birth (type of plurality):Japan, each prefecture, 2019 / Volume 1_4-38_Percent distribution of plural deliveries by type of plurality:Japan, each prefecture, 2019 / Volume 2_1_Live births by place of delivery, for urban/rural residence:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities / Volume 2_2_Live births by sex and month:Japan, urban/rural residence, each prefecture and 21 major cities / Volume 2_3_Live births by sex and birth order:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities / Volume 2_4_Live births by sex, month of birth, age of mother and live birth order:Japan / Volume 2_5_Live births by sex and age of mother:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities / Volume 2_6_Live births by sex, age of mother and birth order:Japan / Volume 2_7_Live births by sex, single years of age of mother, live birth order and legitimacy status:Japan / Volume 2_8_Live births born in wedlock by single years of age of father and mother and live birth order:Japan / Volume 2_9_Live births born in wedlock by year marriage performed, single years of age of mother and live birth order:Japan / Volume 2_10_Live births by age of mother, live bi

【リソース】Volume 1_4-1_Trends in live births, live birth rates (per 1,000 population), total fertility rates and sex ratio of live births:Japan / Volume 1_4-2_Trends in live births and live birth rates (per 1,000 population) by month:Japan / Volume 1_4-3_Trends in live births by each prefecture:Japan / Volume 1_4-4_Trends in live birth rates by each prefecture (per 1,000 population):Japan / Volume 1_4-5_Trends in total fertility rates by each prefecture:Japan / Volume 1_4-6_Trends in live births, percent distribution and rates (per 1,000 females) by age of mother:Japan / Volume 1_4-7_Trends in live births by place of delivery:Japan, urban/rural residence / Volume 1_4-8_Trends in percent distribution of live births by place of delivery:Japan, urban/rural residence / Volume 1_4-9_Live births by place of delivery:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2018 / Volume 1_4-10_Percent distribution of live births by place of delivery:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2018 / Volume 1_4-11_Trends in live births and percent distribution by birth order:Japan / Volume 1_4-12_Trends in live births and percent distribution by live birth order:Japan / Volume 1_4-13_Live births by birth order:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2018 / Volume 1_4-14_Percent distribution of live births by birth order:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2018 / Volume 1_4-15_Live births and percent distribution by live birth order and age of mother:Japan, 2018 / Volume 1_4-16_Live births and percent distribution by birth order and age of mother:Japan, 2018 / Volume 1_4-17_Trends in live births by age of mother, by live birth order:Japan / Volume 1_4-18_Trends in live birth rates by age of mother, by live birth order:Japan / Volume 1_4-19_Trends in mean age of mother by live birth order:Japan / Volume 1_4-20_Trends in mean age of father by live birth order:Japan / Volume 1_4-21_Mean age of father and mother by live birth order:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2018 / Volume 1_4-22_Trends in percent distribution of duration and mean duration from marriage performed to the first bearing (for live births born in wedlock only):Japan / Volume 1_4-23_Live births and percent distribution by live birth order and type of occupation of household:Japan, 2018 / Volume 1_4-24_Trends in live births and percent distribution by period of gestation:Japan / Volume 1_4-25_Trends in live births and percent distribution by sex and birth weight:Japan_(1) Male / Volume 1_4-25_Trends in live births and percent distribution by sex and birth weight:Japan_(2) Female / Volume 1_4-26_Mean birth weight, number and percent distribution of live births under 2,500g by sex :Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2018 / Volume 1_4-27_Live births and percent distribution by sex, birth weight and plurality of birth:Japan, 2018 / Volume 1_4-28_Live births and percent distribution under 2,500g by sex, age of mother and plurality of birth:Japan, 2018 / Volume 1_4-29_Trends in live births and percent distribution by legitimacy status :Japan / Volume 1_4-30_Trends in live births born out of wedlock and proportion by sex:Japan / Volume 1_4-31_Trends in live births born out of wedlock and proportion by age of mother:Japan / Volume 1_4-32_Trends in live births and percent distribution by nationality of father and mother:Japan / Volume 1_4-33_Live births by nationality of father and mother:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2018 / Volume 1_4-34_Percent distribution of live births by nationality of father and mother:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities, 2018 / Volume 1_4-35_Live births and percent distribution by sex and birth length and mean birth length:Japan / Volume 1_4-36_Trends in deliveries by plurality of birth (type of plurality, combination of live birth and foetal death):Japan / Volume 1_4-37_Deliveries by plurality of birth (type of plurality):Japan, each prefecture, 2018 / Volume 1_4-38_Percent distribution of plural deliveries by type of plurality:Japan, each prefecture, 2018 / Volume 2_1_Live births by place of delivery, for urban/rural residence:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities / Volume 2_2_Live births by sex and month:Japan, urban/rural residence, each prefecture and 21 major cities / Volume 2_3_Live births by sex and birth order:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities / Volume 2_4_Live births by sex, month of birth, age of mother and live birth order:Japan / Volume 2_5_Live births by sex and age of mother:Japan, each prefecture and 21 major cities / Volume 2_6_Live births by sex, age of mother and birth order:Japan / Volume 2_7_Live births by sex, single years of age of mother, live birth order and legitimacy status:Japan / Volume 2_8_Live births born in wedlock by single years of age of father and mother and live birth order:Japan / Volume 2_9_Live births born in wedlock by year marriage performed, single years of age of mother and live birth order:Japan / Volume 2_10_Live births by age of mother, live bi