Japan’s fertility woes intensify as a new survey exposes a generational pivot away from parenthood. Conducted by Rohtho Pharmaceutical in late 2025, the study finds 62.6% of single 18-29-year-olds uninterested in having kids— a jump from 56.6% the prior year. This child-free mindset is gaining momentum amid broader demographic alarms.
Respondents highlighted multiple pain points. Financial strain from high costs of child-rearing stands out, alongside career disruptions and the relentless demands of raising a family. Exposure to online tales of motherhood and fatherhood hardships via social platforms further fuels hesitation.
Women lead this reluctance at 64.7%, surpassing men’s 60.7%. The gap emerged in 2020 and persists. Over five years, aversion rose from 44% to over 62%, with 2023 marking the 50% tipping point at 55.2%.
Company officials urge proactive measures: enhanced pre-parenthood guidance and support to reassure youth on juggling work and family. Tokyo has rolled out incentives like increased childcare subsidies, enriched maternity-paternity leaves, and direct family payments. Still, 2025 saw just 705,809 births, extending a decade of plummeting numbers.
In a dire warning, PM Sane Takaichi called the birth rate crash a ‘silent emergency,’ predicting dire economic and societal fallout if trends continue. Analysts stress resolving youth insecurities around money, jobs, and family norms to avert steeper declines ahead.
