FT noted the historical minimum birth rate in Japan

The birth rate in Japan in 2025 may fall to the lowest level for the entire period of statistical observations since 1899 and may be lower than even the most pessimistic forecasts of the government against the background of the accelerating decline in the country's population. This was reported on December 28 by the Financial Times (FT) newspaper.

"The total number of births in 2025 is likely to fall below 670,000, which will be a new historical low," said Masakazu Yamauchi, a demographer at Waseda University.

Japan may reach such a low indicator 16 years earlier than predicted — initially, a drop below 670,000 was expected only after 2040.

The National Institute for Population Research previously predicted 749,000 births in 2025, and even the most negative scenario assumed about 681,000 newborns.

The decline in the birth rate is compounded by a drop in the number of marriages to less than 500,000 per year and an increase in mortality: in 2024, Japan's population decreased by more than 900,000 people. Despite the allocation of about $23 billion for family support programs, experts warn of an increase in long-term economic and social risks.

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Fortune magazine reported on November 4 that Tokyo authorities have launched a large—scale social experiment - the transition to a four-day working week. The new measure is aimed at combating the record drop in the birth rate and the rapid aging of the population. A new "partial parental leave" policy is also being introduced, which will allow some employees to work two hours less per day.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.