The number of children born in Japan in the first six months of 2026 increased by 0.8% compared to the same period last year, reaching 342,068. This is the first increase in the number of births for the period from January to June in the last 11 years, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
This figure includes births to foreign citizens. In total, for the first six months of the year, 2,788 more children were born than in the same period of 2025. Japan has been facing a decline in the number of births since 1973, when during the second baby boom in the country, 2.09 million children were born.
Increase in the number of marriages supports birth rate
The recent increase in the number of births occurred against the background of an increase in the number of marriages in 2024 and 2025, which is one of the key factors affecting the birth rate. The number of marriages in 2025, including marriages with foreign citizens, increased by 1.1% compared to the previous year — to approximately 505,000. This was the second consecutive annual increase. In the first half of 2026, the number of marriages increased by 0.2% compared to the same period last year — to 238,979.
However, some forecasts suggest that in the long term, the number of births will continue to decline due to the reduction in the number of Japanese people of childbearing age, as well as the increase in the number of people who postpone marriage or decide not to marry.
The number of births increased in 26 prefectures. The largest increase was recorded in Tokyo — by 2,278, followed by Aichi — by 517 and Fukuoka — by 438. Among the remaining 21 prefectures where the number of births decreased, the largest decline was recorded in Ishikawa Prefecture — by 360.
For the first six months of the year, the number of deaths decreased by 6.9% — to 778,982. At the same time, the natural population decline was 436,914 people.
The number of births in 2025 fell to 705,000, which was a record low for the tenth year in a row. This has intensified calls to expand support for people who want to get married and have children.
The population decline may threaten the viability of businesses and public services due to labor shortages and a shrinking consumer base. This trend may also seriously affect social security systems, including healthcare and pensions.
Source: JapanWire
