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Japan's paternity leave uptake among men exceeded 50% for the first time in fiscal year 2025, according to official data released Friday. The milestone, achieved well ahead of the government's 2030 target, reflects shifting social norms and effective policy support.
Japan recorded a record 4,354 multiple births from assisted reproductive technology (ART) in 2023, a year after the government expanded public health insurance to cover these treatments. The policy has spurred access but also raised health concerns. Experts call for tighter oversight to mitigate risks.
Japan's birth rate fell to a historic low in 2025, with only 671,236 babies born, marking the ninth consecutive year of decline. The total fertility rate dropped to 1.14, with Tokyo falling below 1 for the first time. Analysts cite late marriages, high costs, and an aging population as key factors.
Japan's total population, including foreign residents, dropped to 123,049,524 in 2025, a record decline of 3.1 million from the 2020 census. The figure, released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on May 26, 2026, reflects the deepening consequences of low birth rates and rapid aging. Experts warn that despite government initiatives to boost births and accept more foreign workers, the population continues to shrink at an unprecedented pace.
March births in South Korea jumped nearly 20% year-on-year to the highest level in seven years, driven by a rise in marriages. However, first-quarter totals still lag behind 2025 levels, highlighting an uneven recovery.
