Japanese population sees record drop in 2024

THE population of Japanese nationals fell by a record amount - more than 900 000 people - in 2024, official data showed, as the country battles to reverse its perennially low birth rates.

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While many developed countries are struggling with low birth rates, the problem is particularly acute in Japan where the population has been declining for years.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has called the situation a “quiet emergency’, pledging family-friendly measures like more flexible working hours and free day care to try and reverse the trend.

Last year, the number of Japanese fell by 908 574, or 0.75 percent, to 120.65 million.