Japan marriage trends show rise in older wives and declining birth rates

Japan is experiencing significant shifts in its marriage and demographic landscape. According to data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of marriages in 2025 remained below the 500,000 mark for the third consecutive year, totaling 489,119 couples.

Despite increased government spending on childcare support, birth rates have continued to decline. Analysts suggest this may be due to economic pressures, such as rising taxes and social insurance premiums that reduce take-home pay, offsetting the benefits of government subsidies.

There is also a notable change in marital structures. In 2024, the proportion of first-time marriages where the wife is older than the husband reached a record high of 25.5%. This is a significant increase from 10.3% in 1970. While husband-older marriages still constitute the majority at 51.7%, the rise in older-wife and same-age marriages indicates a shift in social values regarding age and gender roles in relationships.