TOKYO, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The number of births in Japan fell for the 10th straight year in 2025, official data showed on Thursday, highlighting the challenges for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. A total of 705,809 babies were born in Japan, the preliminary health ministry data showed, down 2.1 percent from 2024. The data includes births to Japanese nationals in Japan, foreign births in Japan and babies born to Japanese nationals overseas. Successive Japanese leaders -- including Takaichi, the country's first woman premier -- have promised to increase births but with limited success. Under pressure from the "Japanese first" Sanseito party, the right-wing Takaichi has however vowed tougher measures on immigration.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha February 26, 2026 08:08 UTC