Japan's birth rate slumped to a record low in 2014 ‎

Japan's birth rate slumped to a record low in 2014, health ministry figures show, dropping to 1,001,000 newborns in 2014 - 9,000 fewer than in 2013.   The fall is the fourth in consecutive years and comes as the estimated number of deaths continues to rise, at just under 1.3 million last year.  Some estimates say that by 2050 the population could be as low as 97 million - 30 million lower than now.   Experts warn the impact of the decline will harm Japan in various ways.  A lowering of the number of people aged between 15 to 64 is predicted to lower potential growth and shrink Japan's GDP.  It will also put much strain on the pension and welfare systems. 

Government figures in April revealed that Japan's population shrank for the third year running, with the elderly comprising 25% of the total for the first time. The proportion of people aged 65 or over is predicted to reach nearly 40% of the population in 2060, the government has warned.  For quite some time, the Japanese Catholic Church has been trying to raise awareness about the problem among Japan's 127 million population.  As part of this, the Bishops' Conference declared 2010 the "Year of life" and carried out medical and social initiatives favouring pregnancy. However, this did not lead to positive results. Many couples wait far too long before having children, focussing instead on their career.  A high teen suicide rate and consumerism are making the situation worse.