Japan Faces Demographic Crisis with Record Low Births

Japan's birthrate has hit a record low, with 758,631 babies born in 2023, marking an 8th consecutive year of decline. The number of marriages also fell below half a million for the first time in 90 years. Younger Japanese are discouraged by job prospects, high living costs, and corporate cultures incompatible with parenting, leading to reluctance in starting families. Government officials warn of a "critical state" and propose measures, but experts doubt their effectiveness. Japan's population decline has significant implications for the economy and national security.