The number of children in Japan has fallen to 15.53 million, a new low in 37 years and 17,000 fewer than the previous year. The proportion of children to the total population is the lowest it has been in 44 years at 12.3 percent. Among prefectures, only Tokyo in Kanagawa prefecture saw an increase in the population of children, a pattern for the past four years. The prefecture with the highest proportion of children is Okinawa prefecture at 17.1 percent, while the lowest is Akita prefecture at 10.1 percent. For instance, workplace discrimination against pregnant women still exists despite laws against it, and becoming pregnant can cause a woman to be demoted or be fired.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 07, 2018 11:37 UTC