Japan's population sees sharpest fall since World War II

Japan's population fell by an estimated 75,000 people in 2009, the biggest fall since World War II amid soaring elderly welfare costs, according to data released today.

The welfare ministry estimated 1,069,000 Japanese citizens were born in 2009 on Japanese soil, while 1,144,000 died.

It marked the third straight year of population decline for Japan, whose seniors enjoy increased life expectancy while many young people continue to defer starting a family because of the burden on their lifestyles and careers.

The trend has created a demographic crisis where a rapidly ageing population has increased financial pressure on the welfare system, which is in turn being supported by a smaller working population.