Preliminary Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare data reported by Nikkei on
Friday show Jan–Jun births at 342,068, up 0.8% YoY — the first H1 increase in 11
years. The ministry said this may indicate births are beginning to bottom after
rapid declines since COVID. Births plunged nearly 6% in 2021 and subsequently
fell in a 3–5% range; 2025 saw a 3.1% decline. A second consecutive annual rise
in marriages since 2024 is cited as a factor behind the increase.