日本1～6月出生33.9万人再创新低

Core Points - Japan's birth rate in the first half of the year has hit the lowest record since comparable data began in 1969, with a total of 339,280 births, a decrease of 3.1% year-on-year, indicating a continuing trend of declining birth rates [2][4] - The number of marriages has also declined, with 238,561 couples marrying, a decrease of 4.0% year-on-year, marking the first decline in two years [4] - The natural population decrease stands at -497,538, with deaths reaching 836,818, an increase of 3.1% year-on-year, marking 21 consecutive years of natural population decline [4] Regional Analysis - All prefectures in Japan are experiencing natural population decline, prompting the government to implement the "Children's Future Strategy" aimed at reversing the declining birth rate [6] - The government plans to invest approximately 3.6 trillion yen before 2028 to address this issue, although the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain [6] - The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the declining birth rate, as restrictions limited social interactions, leading to fewer marriages and subsequently fewer births [6] Future Projections - Predictions indicate that the birth rate will continue to decline by over 3% in 2025, which is significantly higher than the 1% declines observed in the 2000s [7] - The fertility rate among married women is also on a downward trend, making significant improvements in birth rates unlikely [7] Childcare and Enrollment - As of April 1, 2025, the number of children unable to enter childcare facilities is 2,254, a significant decrease from the peak of 26,081 in 2017, with 87.9% of municipalities reporting zero waiting children [8] - The primary reasons for the decrease in waiting children include the expansion of childcare capacity and lower-than-expected application numbers [8] - The city of Otsu has the highest number of waiting children at 132, attributed to difficulties in securing childcare staff [10] Policy Adjustments - The government is shifting its approach to childcare, planning to consolidate or abolish facilities in areas with declining demand, while increasing subsidies for after-school care and children's cafeterias [10] - There is a concern regarding individuals intentionally applying for childcare facilities to extend their benefits, which has been identified as a significant issue [11]