Japan marriage intentions hit record low as birthrate declines

A recent survey by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research reveals significant shifts in marriage and childbirth attitudes in Japan. For the first time, more than 20% of unmarried individuals aged 18 to 34 reported they have “no intention of marrying in their lifetime,” with 24.0% of men and 21.5% of women expressing this view. Conversely, the percentage of those intending to marry eventually fell below 80% for both genders.

The data shows a rise in digital connections, with the proportion of couples who met through social media or matching apps exceeding 20% for the first time. This marks a significant increase from previous years, likely influenced by changing communication habits since 2020.

Regarding fertility, the average number of children per couple has dropped to 1.86, the lowest since the survey began in 1940. The proportion of couples with two or more children has fallen below 50%. Researchers noted a “second child barrier,” where couples struggle to have a second child due to factors such as rising marriage ages and the challenges of balancing work and childcare.