The number of babies born in Japan increased for the first time in 11 years during the January-June period, although the country continues to face a deepening population decline and ageing crisis.

According to government data, the number of babies born to Japanese nationals in the first half of 2026 rose by 0.4 per cent compared with the same period last year, reaching 320,458. This marked the first increase recorded for the January-June period in 11 years.

The figure was almost in line with the pace recorded in 2025, when the annual number of births among Japanese nationals fell to a record low of 671,236, according to statistics from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Officials and researchers believe the modest increase was partly linked to a rise in marriages recorded in 2024 and 2025. In Japan, where births outside marriage remain relatively uncommon, changes in marriage trends have a significant impact on birth numbers.

Despite the increase, experts warn that the latest figures do not yet indicate a reversal of Japan's long-term demographic decline.

Japan has been struggling with one of the world's most severe ageing and population decline problems, with birth numbers falling for years as the number of elderly people continues to grow.

The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research had previously projected that annual births would fall below 680,000 by 2040. However, the decline has progressed faster than earlier estimates.

The Japanese government has introduced various measures to encourage families to have more children, including financial support and policies aimed at improving work-life balance. However, demographic experts say factors such as high living costs, employment concerns and changing attitudes toward marriage continue to affect birth trends.

The latest data shows that while the first-half increase offers a temporary positive sign, Japan's broader demographic challenges remain unresolved.(ILKHA)