Approximately 70% Support Free Childbirth Costs, but Only Half See It as an Incentive for a Second Child

On June 3, 2026, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced the approximate 2025 population dynamics statistics. The number of Japanese children born in 2025 was 671,236, a 2.2% decline from the previous year, marking the lowest record for ten consecutive years. While Tokyo saw an increase for the first time in a decade, the national downward trend persists.

Amidst this, a revised Health Insurance Act passed in May to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for normal childbirth. Baby Calendar, Inc. surveyed 615 mothers to gauge their reaction.

Key survey findings:
- About 70% support free childbirth costs.
- Only 51% view it as an incentive for a second child.
- Flexible working conditions are the top requested support (44.4%).
- Long-term economic stability and career continuity are identified as the keys to overcoming the "second-child barrier."

Approval for the subsidy is at 67.3%, indicating high expectations for immediate burden reduction. However, its effectiveness in encouraging further pregnancies is viewed with skepticism by many. Parents noted that without support for continuous expenses like education and infant care after birth, temporary subsidies are insufficient motivations.

Regarding family planning, "economic burden" was cited by 67.8% as the primary reason for having fewer children than desired, followed by physical/mental burden and career challenges, confirming the complexity of the "second-child barrier."

Respondents identified flexible working conditions (44.4%) as the most necessary support, followed by long-term financial measures like free university and nursery school tuition. Mothers are clearly calling for structural stability rather than temporary financial relief.