World
Demography
Japan Hits a 10th Record-Low Birth Year as South Korea's Fertility Rate Quietly Climbs
Japan recorded 705,809 births in 2025, a 10th consecutive record low, while South Korea's fertility rate rose to 0.80 from 0.75. Tokyo and Seoul are forming a joint task force on the demographic crisis. Here is what the numbers mean, why Korea's uptick may not last, and why below-replacement Europe should pay attention.