In 2023, there were around six live births per 1,000 inhabitants in Japan, down from about 6.3 in the previous year. The total number of live births in the nation amounted to approximately 727,290 in 2023. Japan’s super aging society Directly after the end of WWII, the live birth rate in Japan was over 30 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 87.1 years for women and 81.7 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 30 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 3.9, less than half compared to that in the early 1970s. 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 50 percent for the first time in history in 2018.

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.

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.

In 2022, the total fertility rate in Japan decreased by 0.04 children per woman (-3.08 percent) compared to 2021. Therefore, 2022 marks the lowest fertility rate during the observed period. Total fertility rates refer to the average number of children that a woman of childbearing age (generally considered 15 to 44 years) can expect 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 hypothetical (similar to life expectancy), as they assume that current patterns in age-specific fertility will remain constant throughout a woman's 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.

Japan IPSS: Population: Projection: Low Mortality: Low Birth Rate data was reported at 83,781.534 Person th in 2065. This records a decrease from the previous number of 84,877.121 Person th for 2064. Japan IPSS: Population: Projection: Low Mortality: Low Birth Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 109,693.156 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 83,781.534 Person th in 2065. Japan IPSS: Population: Projection: Low Mortality: Low 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.

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.

Japan birth rate for 2025 is 6.98, a 0.27% decline from 2024.

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

<li>Japan birth rate for 2024 was <strong>7.00</strong>, a <strong>0.26% decline</strong> from 2023.</li>
<li>Japan birth rate for 2023 was <strong>7.01</strong>, a <strong>1.35% decline</strong> from 2022.</li>
<li>Japan birth rate for 2022 was <strong>7.11</strong>, a <strong>1.33% decline</strong> from 2021.</li>
</ul>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.

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.

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;

The statistic shows the total population in Japan from 2020 to 2024, with projections up until 2030. In 2024, the total population of Japan amounted to around 123.89 million inhabitants. See the figures for the population of South Korea for comparison. Total population in Japan From steadily low fertility rates to a growing elderly population, it is no secret that Japan’s population is shrinking. Population growth rates jump around a little, but are currently following a declining trend. The post-war baby boom generation is now in the 65-and-over age group, and the percentage of the population in that category is expected to keep growing, as is indicated by a high median age and high life expectancy. Japan already has the highest percentage of its population over 65 in the world, and the aging population puts some pressure on the Japanese government to provide welfare services for more people as rising numbers leave the workforce. However, the amount of jobs opened up for the younger generations by the older generations leaving the workforce means that unemployment is kept to a minimum. Despite a jump in unemployment after the global recession hit in 2008, rates were almost back to pre-recession rates by 2013. Another factor affecting Japan is the number of emigrants to other countries. The United States absorbs a number of emigrants worldwide, so despite a stagnating birth rate, the U.S. has seen a steady rise in population.

Japan IPSS: Population: Projection: Low Mortality: High Birth Rate data was reported at 96,570.605 Person th in 2065. This records a decrease from the previous number of 97,346.029 Person th for 2064. Japan IPSS: Population: Projection: Low Mortality: High Birth Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 115,105.879 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 96,570.605 Person th in 2065. Japan IPSS: Population: Projection: Low 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.

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 2022, the crude birth rate in Japan decreased by 0.3 live births per 1,000 inhabitants (-4.55 percent) compared to 2021. This marks the lowest rate during the observed period. The crude birth rate refers to the number of live births in a given year, expressed per 1,000 population. When studied in combination with the crude death rate, the rate of natural population increase can be determined.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.

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.

Japan IPSS: Median Mortality (MM): Low Birth Rate (LBR): Average Age data was reported at 56.600 NA in 2070. This records an increase from the previous number of 56.500 NA for 2069. Japan IPSS: Median Mortality (MM): Low Birth Rate (LBR): Average Age data is updated yearly, averaging 52.900 NA from Dec 2020 (Median) to 2070, with 51 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 56.600 NA in 2070 and a record low of 47.600 NA in 2020. Japan IPSS: Median Mortality (MM): Low Birth Rate (LBR): Average Age 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.G005: 2023 Population Estimates: 2020 Census: National Institute of Population and Social Security Research.

Text A, Representation theorem for a right eigenvector of an irreducible non-negative matrix. Text B, Theorem for infinite series expansion of characteristic equation. Text C, Original definition of type-reproduction number. Text D, Extension theorem of type-reproduction number. (ZIP)

With approximately 14 million inhabitants, Tokyo Prefecture was the largest prefecture based on population size in Japan as of 2023. The smallest prefecture in this regard was Tottori Prefecture, which in the same year counted about 540,000 residents. Rural depopulation Like many industrial economies, Japan is facing the problem of depopulating rural areas. While the birth rate continues to decline, many young people decide to migrate from small towns and villages to large cities like Tokyo or Osaka for higher education and employment. The population of Tokyo Prefecture has shown substantial growth over the past decades and consists largely of working age citizens. Smaller communities are trying to counteract the depopulation process with initiatives meant to invite younger workers and tourists back. Migration to Japan Japan is often described as a very homogenous society, with a low share of foreign residents. Despite the declining birthrate and many businesses experiencing a labor shortage, companies have been hesitant to employ foreign workers, in part due to the strict immigration laws. The Japanese Government has tried to ease immigration restrictions and encourage foreigners to work in Japan. The largest share of foreign workers in Japan, however, is residing in the county with a permanent residence or as the family member of a Japanese national.

Japan IPSS: Population: Projection: Low Mortality: Medium Birth Rate data was reported at 89,736.267 Person th in 2065. This records a decrease from the previous number of 90,687.114 Person th for 2064. Japan IPSS: Population: Projection: Low Mortality: Medium Birth Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 112,283.938 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 89,736.267 Person th in 2065. Japan IPSS: Population: Projection: Low Mortality: Medium 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.