Japan’s precipitous population decline shows no sign of slowing, with the nation shrinking by more than 900,000 people last year – the biggest annual drop on record, according to government data.

The country's total fertility rate fell to 1.15 in 2024 from 1.2 the previous year, despite extensive local and central government incentives.

Japan and some of its East Asian neighbours frequently make headlines about population concerns, even as birth rates are now low in many countries. What makes their case unique?