Tokyo's number of births increased in 2025 for the first time in nine or 10 years [1], [2].
This shift occurs as Japan continues to struggle with a shrinking population. While the capital city sees a reversal in the trend, the national birth rate continues to slide, creating a stark demographic divide between the metropolitan hub and the rest of the country.
Preliminary data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government indicates that 85,064 children were born in the city during 2025 [1]. This represents an increase of 857 births compared to 2024 [1]. The city said that the number of births rose by 1.3% [2]. Additionally, the number of marriages in Tokyo increased by 4.8% during the same period [2].
Governor Yuriko Koike said the growth was due to the city's expanded childcare and fertility support systems. These initiatives include subsidies for fertility treatments, and painless childbirth [1], [3].
"I want to continue firmly supporting the hopes of those who have dreams they wish to fulfill," Koike said [3].
Despite the local success in Tokyo, the broader national trend remains bleak. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 671,236 Japanese citizens were born nationwide in 2025 [1]. This is a decrease of approximately 15,000 people from the previous year [1].
The disparity suggests that targeted municipal subsidies may be effective in stabilizing birth rates, even as systemic national declines persist. The Tokyo government continues to emphasize the role of financial assistance in removing barriers to parenthood [3].
“Tokyo's number of births increased in 2025 for the first time in nine or 10 years”
The divergence between Tokyo's birth rate and the national average suggests that aggressive, localized financial interventions—specifically fertility subsidies—may counteract the broader demographic collapse in Japan. However, because the increase is modest and occurs against a backdrop of national decline, it remains unclear if these policies can permanently reverse the trend or simply slow the contraction within the capital.
