This article explores the history of population control in Japan and discusses whether or not it can be considered a one-child policy nation. Japan has had a long history of population control policies, but it has never adopted an official one-child policy like China. Reasons behind Japan's lack of an official one-child policy include its long tradition of encouraging smaller families for economic reasons, its aging population, and low birth rate. There are both pros and cons associated with implementing a one-child policy in Japan, and if implemented successfully it could potentially have significant impacts on Japanese society over time. At present there is no indication that Japan will adopt an official "one child" policy anytime soon.