Japan is facing a serious fertility crisis due to an aging population and a declining workforce. In the first half of this year, the country saw a 5.7% decrease in births compared to the previous year, with only 350,074 recorded. The number of marriages also dropped by 5.9%, falling below half a million for the first time in 90 years. This decline is contributing to the falling birth rates as young people are finding it challenging to find partners.
In Japan, having children outside of marriage is not common due to traditional family values and customs, making dating crucial in addressing the fertility crisis. A recent survey conducted by Recruit Holdings Co. on 1,200 single adults aged 20 to 49 who have never been married revealed that 25.6% have no intention of finding a partner. Additionally, 34.1% of respondents have never been in a relationship, the highest percentage since the survey began in 2017.
Among those in their twenties, there has been a significant increase in the percentage of men and women who have never been in a relationship. For women, the primary reason for not wanting to marry is the perceived restriction on their activities and lifestyle, while men are concerned about the loss of financial freedom that comes with marriage. Nearly half of the surveyed women in their twenties admitted to struggling financially, with many expressing concerns about job stability and inadequate income to cover expenses.
Earlier this year, Japan entered a recession and lost its position as the world’s third-largest economy to Germany. The country’s GDP fell by 0.4% in the last quarter of 2023, following a 3.3% decline in the previous quarter. The yen has also weakened against the US dollar, reaching its lowest point since 1990. This economic downturn has led to a rise in wholesale inflation, impacting households across Japan.
A survey conducted among non-permanent workers of both sexes revealed that nearly 90% have been affected by price increases, with many finding it challenging to make ends meet. Dual-earner households are also struggling to manage their finances, with 46.1% facing financial difficulties. The financial strain is causing individuals to make sacrifices, such as giving up hobbies and friendships to cope with the rising cost of living.
Overall, Japan’s fertility crisis is influenced by a combination of factors, including societal changes, economic instability, and shifting attitudes towards marriage and relationships. Addressing these challenges will require a multi-faceted approach that considers the complex interplay between demographics, economics, and cultural norms.