Japan births rise 0.8% in Jan.-June, 1st increase in 11 years
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The number of children born in Japan in the first six months of 2026 rose 0.8 percent from a year earlier to 342,068, marking the fir
Japan recorded a 0.8% increase in the number of births from January to June 2026, with 342,068 children born, marking the first rise in the January-June period in eleven years according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare data. This represents a 2,788 increase compared to the same period in 2025. The rise in births is attributed to the recovery in marriages, which increased by 1.1% in 2025, reaching approximately 505,000.
The number of couples tying the knot in the first half of 2026 also rose by 0.2% to 238,979. However, despite this increase, some projections suggest that births may continue a long-term downward trend due to Japan's shrinking population of childbearing age and a growing number of individuals delaying or forgoing marriage. There was a natural population decline of 436,914 in the six-month period, with the number of deaths falling by 6.9% to 778,982.
The decreasing trend in births could have significant implications for businesses, public services, and social security systems, potentially leading to labor shortages, a shrinking consumer base, and challenges in maintaining healthcare and pension systems.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- 1st-Half Births in Japan Rise for 1st Time in 11 Years japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
