Japan — In 2024, over 20,000 children were born to non-Japanese couples in Japan, marking a record high and highlighting the country’s changing demographics. Foreign-born babies now account for more than 3% of all newborns, offsetting the continued decline in births among Japanese citizens.
What Happened
The Japanese health ministry reported that 22,878 children were born to foreign parents last year, up more than 3,000 from 2023 and a 50% rise compared to a decade ago. In contrast, births among Japanese couples fell to 686,173, a decrease of 41,115 from the previous year.
The rise in foreign newborns now offsets more than half of the decline in Japanese births, signaling the growing role of migration in sustaining the country’s population.
Who Are the Foreign-Born Children?
Foreign mothers from China comprised the largest group, followed by the Philippines and Brazil. Many of these families consist of young migrants in their 20s and 30s who are likely to stay long-term and raise children in Japan. Towns like Ōizumi now host dozens of nationalities, reflecting Japan’s increasingly diverse population.
Political and Social Context
Japan’s ageing population and labour shortages have turned immigration into a hot political issue. Right-wing politicians have called for stricter immigration policies and better integration of foreign residents.
In the July upper house elections, the populist Sanseito party campaigned against foreign workers and performed strongly. Meanwhile, Sanae Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, emphasized immigration and concerns about “badly behaved” foreign tourists in her bid to become prime minister.
Challenges and Policy Recommendations
Experts warn that local authorities must do more to support foreign families and children. Toshihiro Menju, visiting professor at Kansai University of International Studies, said:
“Policies and help for foreign babies born here and their families are lagging in many localities, and most rely on nonprofit organisations… We need policies to create a society where foreign-national children, when they grow up, speak Japanese, earn as much as Japanese citizens do, and can support their own families.”
Without adequate integration, experts caution, Japan risks creating a divided society.
Closing Line
The surge in foreign-born children reflects Japan’s evolving demographics and underscores the urgent need for policies that support immigrant families, ensure social cohesion, and address the challenges of an ageing population.
