Japan has a low birth rate of 8.3 births per 1,000 people in 2020 due to economic factors such as high costs of raising a child, social factors such as an emphasis on independence and self-reliance, and traditional values that create gender imbalance. The government has implemented policies to address the issue but it is uncertain if they will be successful. This low birth rate could have far-reaching implications on society including increased demand for healthcare services, reduced retirement benefits, and fewer young people entering certain professions.