In 2024, 720,988 babies were born in the country, marking the ninth consecutive year of decline in child births.

Japan's population has been shrinking for 15 years, with huge implications for the country's economy, national defense, and culture. Now, policymakers are working to boost birth rates.

Japan's health ministry is set to eliminate ... One proposed approach in the policy approved Wednesday by a panel of experts involves fully covering expenses for normal deliveries under the public ...

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech ... paid for by those who can afford it. Japan is likely to cover parents’ hospital fees for childbirth from April 2026 as the country ...

Japan’s health ministry is set to ... to address the country’s declining birth rate. One proposed approach in the policy approved on Wednesday by a panel of experts involves fully covering ...

Additionally, the government has expanded childcare facilities, offered housing subsidies, and even launched an official dating application to encourage marriage and childbirth. However, analysts ...

Maybe most graphically (and demographically) there's Japan: a country that ... The continuing slide in the birth rate clearly indicates our current policy isn't working at all.

TOKYO – Japan’s Health Ministry is set ... to address the country’s declining birth rate. One proposed approach in the policy approved on May 14 by a panel of experts involves fully covering ...