A significant portion of unmarried adults in Japan are choosing not to have children, according to a recent survey. The study, conducted by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, reveals that over 30% of single men and women expressed a desire to remain childfree. This finding highlights a notable shift in attitudes towards family planning and parenthood within the country.
Declining Desire for Children in Japan
The survey, which gathered data as of June 2025, indicated that 33.0% of unmarried men do not want children, a substantial increase of 9.8 percentage points since the last survey in 2021. Similarly, the proportion of unmarried women who wish to forgo parenthood rose by 8.8 percentage points to 32.4%. These figures represent a record low in the desire for children among this demographic.
Furthermore, the average number of children respondents hoped to have also reached historic lows. Male respondents indicated an average of 1.30 children, while female respondents averaged 1.36 children. These numbers are considerably lower than in previous surveys, underscoring a widespread trend of declining fertility intentions.
Factors Influencing Parenthood Decisions
An official from the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research suggested several potential reasons behind this evolving sentiment. Diversified lifestyles and values among younger generations are playing a crucial role, with individuals increasingly prioritizing personal goals, career development, and alternative life paths over traditional family structures. Additionally, financial concerns are cited as a significant contributing factor. The rising cost of living, education expenses, and general economic uncertainty may be making potential parents hesitant to take on the financial responsibilities associated with raising children.
The institute has a long history of tracking demographic trends, conducting surveys on birth and marriage patterns approximately every five years since 1940. This consistent data collection allows for a comprehensive understanding of societal shifts over decades. The latest survey’s findings are particularly striking, reflecting a marked departure from earlier generations’ expectations and aspirations regarding family size.
Global Context: Declining Birth Rates
Japan’s declining desire for children is not an isolated phenomenon. Similar trends are being observed in other parts of the world, including Thailand, where birth rates have also fallen to historic lows. In 2025, Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration reported just 416,514 births, the lowest figure in nearly 75 years. This contrasts sharply with the country’s death toll, which reached 559,684 in the same year, indicating a natural population decrease.
While a nationwide survey by Thailand’s Department of Health in 2025 showed that 63% of Thai women aged 19 to 49 still aspire to have children, other polls suggest a growing segment of the population is opting out of parenthood. A 2024 report by Nida Poll indicated that 44% of Thai adults between the ages of 18 and 40 do not wish to have children at all. This suggests a complex interplay of cultural expectations and personal choices influencing fertility decisions across different age groups and genders in Thailand.
Societal Implications and Future Outlook
The declining birth rates and the increasing number of individuals choosing not to have children have profound implications for societies worldwide. These include potential labor shortages, an aging population, increased pressure on social security systems, and shifts in consumer markets. Governments and policymakers are increasingly grappling with how to address these demographic challenges, exploring various strategies to support families, encourage childbirth, and manage the economic and social consequences of lower fertility rates.
In Japan, the long-term effects of this trend could reshape the nation’s social fabric and economic landscape. Understanding the multifaceted reasons behind these decisions—ranging from economic pressures and evolving personal values to changing societal norms—is crucial for developing effective responses. The survey’s findings serve as a critical indicator of deep-seated changes in attitudes towards family and future generations, prompting further discussion and analysis on how societies can adapt to these demographic shifts.
