Births in Japan rise 0.8 percent, first increase in 11 years

The number of babies born in Japan during the first six months of 2026 increased 0.8 percent compared with the same period a year earlier to 342,068, marking the first rise for the January–June period in 11 years, according to data from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare released on Friday.

The figure includes births to foreign nationals and was up by 2,788 births compared with the same period in 2025, based on data released by the ministry.

Japan has seen a decline in the number of births since 1973, when 2.09 million babies were born during the country’s second baby boom.

The latest increase in births came after the number of marriages picked up again in 2024 and 2025, one of the key factors influencing the birth rate.

The number of marriages in 2025, including those involving foreign nationals, rose 1.1 percent from the previous year to around 505,000, marking a year-on-year increase for the second consecutive year.

In the first half of 2026, the number of couples marrying rose 0.2 percent compared with the same period a year earlier to 238,979.

Nevertheless, a number of projections indicate that the number of births will remain on a long-term downward trend due to the shrinking reproductive-age population in Japan and the growing number of people delaying or choosing not to marry.

The number of births increased in 26 prefectures, with Tokyo recording the largest rise of 2,278 births, followed by Aichi with 517 and Fukuoka with 438. Among the 21 other prefectures that saw declines, Ishikawa Prefecture recorded the largest drop of 360 births.

During the six-month period from January, the number of deaths fell 6.9 percent to 778,982, leaving a natural population decline of 436,914.

The number of births in 2025 fell to around 705,000, marking a record low for the tenth consecutive year and prompting calls for expanded support for people who wish to marry and have children.

The population decline could threaten the sustainability of businesses and public services due to labour shortages and a shrinking consumer base. The trend could also have a serious impact on the social security system, including healthcare and pensions.