Japan's child population has reached a historic low, continuing a long-running decline that exacerbates the East Asian nation's demographic crisis. According to figures released by the internal affairs ministry on Monday, there were 13.29 million children aged 15 and under as of 1 April 2026, a decrease of 350,000 from the previous year. This marks the lowest figure since recordkeeping began in 1950 and represents the 45th consecutive year of decline.
Child Population Share Drops to 10.8%
Children now account for just 10.8 per cent of Japan's total population, the lowest proportion ever recorded. The estimates, which include foreign residents, are based on population data linked to the national census. The data was released ahead of Children's Day on Tuesday, a national holiday celebrating the well-being of children.
The government has identified the period through 2030 as a "final opportunity to reverse the trend," despite previous measures such as expanding financial support for child-rearing households failing to halt the decline.
Gender and Age Breakdown
By gender, the data shows 6.81 million boys and 6.48 million girls. By age group, older children outnumber younger ones: there are 3.09 million children aged 12 to 14, compared to just 2.13 million aged 0 to 2. This age imbalance underscores the deepening demographic challenge.
Separate preliminary data from the health ministry indicates that births in 2025 fell to a record low of 705,809, declining for the 10th consecutive year.
Historical Context and International Comparison
Japan's child population peaked at 29.89 million in 1954 and has been falling since 1982. The proportion of children to the total population has declined for 52 straight years since 1975. According to a United Nations survey, Japan now has the second-lowest share of children among countries with populations exceeding 40 million, behind only South Korea, where the ratio is 10.2 per cent.
In February last year, it was reported that the number of babies born in Japan dropped to the lowest since records began 125 years ago, falling for the ninth straight year despite government efforts. Japan recorded 720,988 births in 2024, a five per cent decrease from the previous year, according to the health ministry.
Dire Long-Term Projections
In January 2025, an expert on demographic trends and ageing societies warned that if Japan's birthrate continues its current decline, the country could be left with only one child under the age of 14 by 5 January 2720. This stark projection highlights the urgency of addressing the demographic crisis.
