Japan Immigration News

Record number of babies born to foreign parents in Japan amid political row over migration

Release Date: 2025-10-13
Media: The Guardian
Summary: In 2024, Japan recorded a historic rise in babies born to foreign parents, highlighting the country’s rapid demographic transformation and growing immigration debate.

According to the health ministry, 22,878 children were born to non-Japanese parents or unmarried foreign mothers, up more than 3,000 from the previous year and 50% higher than a decade ago, accounting for 3.2% of all births — both record highs. Meanwhile, births to Japanese couples fell sharply to 686,173, the lowest in over a century. Foreign births offset more than half of that decline.

The largest groups of foreign mothers were Chinese, Filipino, and Brazilian. The rise reflects Japan’s expanding foreign resident population, which reached 3.95 million, many of whom are young adults likely to stay and start families.

As immigration reshapes communities, right-wing and populist politicians have called for tougher controls, while others emphasize better integration and support for foreign families. Experts warn that without inclusive policies, Japan risks social division.

The government projects that foreign residents could exceed 10% of the population by 2040, underscoring that migration is becoming central to Japan’s future workforce and social stability.
Tags: Population

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