Japan's Birth Rate Reaches Record Low in 2022 Amid Demographic Concerns.

Japan's birth rate has hit a record low of 1.26, declining for the seventh consecutive year, and tying the record low from 2005. The government is seen as too slow to take measures to address its rapidly shrinking and aging population. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has set tackling the declining births as one of his top policy goals and pledged to introduce further drastic measures. The government plans to secure annual funding of about 3.5 trillion yen ($25.2 billion) over the next three years for a new child care package, which includes child birth and rearing allowances as well as increased subsidies for higher education.