Japan sees first rise in births in 11 years as 2026 figure reaches 342,068

The number of babies born in Japan during the first six months of 2026 increased 0.8% from a year earlier to 342,068, marking the first rise for the January-June period in 11 years, according to Health Ministry data.

The figure, which includes births to foreign nationals, was 2,788 higher than in the same period last year, data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare showed, Caliber.Az reports, citing Japanese media.

Japan has experienced a long-term decline in births since 1973, when 2.09 million babies were born during the country’s second baby boom.

The latest increase comes after the number of marriages rose in 2024 and 2025, a development seen as an important factor influencing the birth rate.

About 505,000 marriages were registered in 2025, including those involving foreign nationals, up 1.1% from the previous year and marking a second consecutive annual increase. In the first half of 2026, the number of marriages rose 0.2% year-on-year to 238,979.

Despite the latest increase, projections indicate that births are likely to remain on a long-term downward trajectory as Japan’s population of people of childbearing age continues to shrink and more people delay marriage or choose not to marry.

Births increased in 26 prefectures, with Tokyo recording the largest rise at 2,278, followed by Aichi with 517 and Fukuoka with 438. Of the 21 prefectures where births declined, Ishikawa recorded the steepest drop, at 360.

Meanwhile, the number of deaths in the six months from January fell 6.9% year-on-year to 778,982, resulting in a natural population decline of 436,914.

The number of births in 2025 fell to around 705,000, the lowest figure on record for the 10th consecutive year. The decline has prompted calls for greater support for people who want to marry and have children.

Japan’s shrinking population poses growing challenges for businesses and public services as labour shortages deepen and the consumer base contracts. The demographic trend could also place increasing pressure on social security systems, including healthcare and pensions.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov