Prospects and Tasks for Population Policies in 2025

Abstract

In the face of rapid demographic changes characterized by low birthrates and population aging, the government has pursued medium-to-long-term policies in the framework of the pan-ministerial Basic Plan on Low Fertility and Aging Society, which, first launched in 2006 and renewed every five years, is now in its fourth iteration. The last of the years covered by the 4th Basic Plan on Low Fertility and Aging Society, this year marks an important juncture to assess the plan’s overall outcomes, evaluate its final-year initiatives, and prepare medium- and long-term strategies for the upcoming 5th Basic Plan. This year is also one in which the “Measures to Reverse Low Birthrates,” announced in June 2024, will be implemented in earnest. It is expected that these policy efforts, as they progress, will contribute to greater happiness in marriage, childbirth, and childrearing, thus helping to lay a foundation for making our society sustainable.