Japan Births at Lowest since 1899

Japan's health ministry predicts the nation will have less than one million child births this year. That's the lowest since 1899 when the survey began.

    The ministry estimates that about 981,000 babies will be born in Japan this year. It also forecasts roughly 1.3 million people will die this year, meaning Japan's population will shrink for the 10th consecutive year. 

    Last year, more than 1 million 5,000 babies were born, marking the first pickup in five years. Health minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki told reporters that births have remained low for years. He added the government has to implement working-style reforms and child-care assistance to better meet the needs of families.

Source: QNA