【Release of 2024 Vital Statistics (Finalized Data)】 The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced on September 16, 2025, the overview of the 2024 vital statistics (finalized data). The number of births was 686,173 (down 41,115 from the previous year), the lowest since the survey began in 1899, while the total fertility rate hit a record low of 1.15 (down from 1.20). Deaths reached a record high of 1,605,378 (up 29,362 from the previous year).
【Birth Trends and Deepening Declining Birthrate】 Births of 686,173 decreased 5.7% from 727,288 the previous year, marking the lowest since statistics began. The birth rate (per 1,000 population) declined to 5.7 from 6.0, and the total fertility rate fell to 1.15 from 1.20, both record lows. By maternal age, the 30-34 group had the most births (253,444) but all age groups declined. By birth order, first births totaled 322,476 (down 16,432) and second births 248,662 (down 17,533), with declines across all categories.
【Rising Deaths and Expanding Natural Decrease】 Deaths of 1,605,378 marked the highest since records began, with the death rate (per 1,000 population) rising to 13.3 from 13.0. By cause, malignant neoplasms accounted for 384,111 deaths (23.9% of total), heart disease 226,388 (14.1%), and senility 206,887 (12.9%). COVID-19 deaths totaled 35,865 (2.2%), ranking 8th. The natural decrease expanded to -919,205 from -848,728, a record decline of 70,477.
【Marriage, Divorce, and Stillbirth Trends】 Marriages increased to 485,092 couples (up 10,351) with a marriage rate of 4.0 per 1,000 population, while divorces rose to 185,904 couples (up 2,090) with a divorce rate of 1.55. Stillbirths decreased to 15,323 (down 211), though the stillbirth rate rose to 21.8 per 1,000 births from 20.9. Age-adjusted death rates were 14.2 for men (up from 14.1) and 7.8 for women (unchanged).