This paper describes the trend in fertility in Japan, analyzes the causes and implications of the baby bust after 1973, and discusses the Japanese government's efforts to raise fertility, which by 2003 had fallen to 1.29 children (i.e., births) per woman, as indicated by the total fertility rate. Also addressed are the questions of why the government's efforts to raise fertility have not been effective and what additional steps the government might take.

This paper describes the trend in fertility in Japan, analyzes the causes and implications of the baby bust after 1973, and discusses the Japanese government's efforts to raise fertility, which by 2003 had fallen to 1.29 children (i.e., births) per woman, as indicated by the total fertility rate. Also addressed are the questions of why the government's efforts to raise fertility have not been effective and what additional steps the government might take.