首次跌破1.2，日本彻底躺平了

Core Viewpoint - Japan is facing a severe demographic crisis with a record low birth rate of 1.15 in 2024, leading to concerns about the future of the nation and its workforce [3][6][8]. Group 1: Birth Rate Statistics - The number of newborns in Japan for 2024 is projected to be approximately 686,000, which is significantly lower than previous estimates that predicted this milestone would not be reached until 2039 [3][6]. - Japan's fertility rate is the lowest among East Asian countries, with South Korea at 0.78, China at 1.18, and Japan at 1.26 according to World Bank data from 2022 [8][10]. Group 2: Societal Impacts - The low birth rate directly contributes to an aging population and a shrinking workforce, which poses challenges for economic stability and social services [10][22]. - The phenomenon of "one-person economy" is rising in Japan, with individuals increasingly choosing to live alone and prioritize personal enjoyment over traditional family structures [14][16]. Group 3: Government Response - Japan's government has been attempting to address the declining birth rate since the 1990s, implementing various policies such as the "Angel Plan" in 1994 and the "Basic Law on Measures for a Declining Birthrate" in 2003, which aimed to create a supportive environment for child-rearing [21][22]. - Despite significant investments in these initiatives, the birth rate continues to decline, leading to the term "low birthrate and aging society" being coined to describe the current situation [22][30]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Experts suggest that Japan may need to adapt its perspective on population decline, focusing on the potential benefits of a smaller population, such as higher employment rates and changes in work culture, including the introduction of a four-day workweek [35][36]. - The government is also considering the introduction of foreign labor to mitigate workforce shortages, as there is a growing acceptance of foreign workers in various sectors [33][34].