Photo/Illutration Parents cite age and financial pressure as major hurdles to expanding their families. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

A growing number of Japanese parents are reluctant to have a second child, with only one-third of respondents expressing the desire to do so, according to a recent survey by Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co.

This marks the lowest figure since the company began tracking the trend in 2018, down more than 20 percentage points from five years ago.

The survey, released Sept. 30, garnered responses from 1,100 parents with children aged 6 or younger.

Among those with one child, only 33 percent wanted another one, down 3 percentage points from the previous year and a sharp drop from the peak of 57 percent recorded in 2020.

Age was cited by 50 percent as a major barrier to expanding families, followed by concerns over future income at 46 percent and the high cost of living at 35 percent.

However, the desire for a second child rose to 70 percent when respondents were asked if they would reconsider under improved financial or work conditions.

The survey found that 36 percent would be more open to having another child if their income increased, while 31 percent pointed to higher earnings for their spouse.

Flexible work arrangements were also seen as key, with 22 percent wanting more flexibility for themselves and 19 percent for their partner.

The monthly cost of raising one child remains high, averaging 41,162 yen ($273), with only a slight decrease from the previous year.

Kazutaka Maeda of the Meiji Yasuda Research Institute Inc. emphasized the need for wage growth, shorter working hours and stronger government measures to counter inflation.

He emphasized the need to improve access to child care services such as baby sitters.

He also called for stronger support networks to help parents feel less isolated, describing these measures as “crucial to overcoming barriers to having a second child.”

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