Record Japanese Baby Boom Among Foreign Parents Fuels Immigration Debate
In 2024, Japan witnessed a record high in births to foreign parents, with over 20,000 babies born, comprising more than 3% of all newborns, contrasting sharply with the declining birth rate among Japanese parents. This trend reflects the soaring non-Japanese population, driven by increased migrant workers filling labor market gaps. The rise in foreign-born children is impacting political discourse, as right-wing politicians call for stricter immigration rules, while experts emphasize the need for policies to support foreign families and ensure their integration into Japanese society. The justice minister anticipates the proportion of foreign residents could exceed 10% of the population by 2040, underscoring the evolving demographic landscape.
John Q. Hosedrinker