Overview

• Japan's population fell by over 861,000 in the past year, marking the steepest decline ever recorded.
• The birth rate hit a new low with only 730,000 births, while deaths reached a record high of 1.58 million.
• Foreign residents increased by 11%, but their numbers are insufficient to offset the overall population decline.
• Labor shortages are intensifying, with many businesses struggling to find workers despite low unemployment rates.
• Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has pledged significant investment in child care and family benefits to address the crisis.