Japan's fertility rate has hit a new low, with 2023 marking a significant decline in births compared to deaths. This ongoing trend is leading to a shrinking population, prompting the government to take action. In response to these demographic challenges, more Japanese women, like Tomomi Bito, are opting to freeze their eggs for future family planning.
Bito, a determined athlete aiming to excel in the world's toughest marathon, sees egg freezing as a way to pursue her dreams before starting a family. The declining birth rate in Japan, as reported by the health ministry, is a cause for concern as it marks the eighth consecutive year of decreasing birth numbers. Government officials warn that this trend could result in a dwindling workforce and strain on social security systems and local communities.
