As births continue to fall, Japan seeks incentives for parents

Robert Besser
27 Jan 2023, 12:11 GMT+10

Japanese Prime minister Fumio Kishida said this week that it was "now or never" for Japan, one of the world's oldest societies, to reverse its shrinking population
Japan, one of the most expensive countries in the world to raise children, has been recently encouraging its adults to have more children with promises of cash bonuses and better benefits
Japan's birth rate plunged to below 800,000 for the first time last year, a new record low and a crucial moment coming eight years earlier than predicted by the government

TOKYO, Japan: Japanese Prime minister Fumio Kishida said this week that it was "now or never" for Japan, one of the world's oldest societies, to reverse its shrinking population, pledging to take urgent steps to reverse the country's declining birth rate.

Japan, one of the most expensive countries in the world to raise children, has been recently encouraging its adults to have more children with promises of cash bonuses and better benefits.

According to official statistics, Japan's birth rate plunged to below 800,000 for the first time last year, a new record low and a crucial moment coming eight years earlier than predicted by the government.

During a policy speech at the opening of this year's parliamentary session, Kishida said, "Our nation is on the cusp of whether it can maintain its societal functions. It is now or never when it comes to policies regarding births and child-rearing, it is an issue that simply cannot wait any longer."

He added that he will announce plans to double the budget for child-related policies by June, and in April, a new Children and Families government agency will be established.

According to YuWa Population Research, Japan is the third-most-expensive country globally to raise a child, behind only China and South Korea, which also have shrinking populations.

Last week, China reported that in 2022, its population decreased for the first time in 60 years.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Las Vegas Herald.

More Information

50 ℉

Fair in Las Vegas

International

Section

Ukraine to receive more artillery shells from EU after agreement ok'd

BRUSSELS, Belgium: While chairing a meeting of EU foreign and defense ministers in Brussels this week, European Union (EU) foreign ...

Media reports nine Chinese killed at Africa mine

BANGUI, Central African Republic: Authorities from the Central African Republic have said that nine Chinese nationals were killed and two ...

Australian river town reports millions of dead fish

MENINDEE, Australia: After recent floods and hot weather, millions of dead fish have washed up in southeastern Australia, which authorities ...

Idaho to OK death by firing squad when drugs not available

BOISE, Idaho: Under a bill passed by the Idaho Legislature thios with a veto-proof majority, the state will allow firing ...

California joins with drugmaker to manufacture affordable insulin

SACRAMENTO, California: The state of California and generic drug manufacturer Civica have announced a 10-year partnership to produce affordable, state-branded ...