TOKYO -- Japanese births are on pace for the steepest drop in three decades, plunging even by comparison to the declines in recent years, despite earlier hopes that couples would ring in the new Imperial era with an addition to the family.
Society
Japan's births headed for biggest crash in 30 years
Population decline accelerates, defying hopes of Reiwa baby boom
Japanese babies cry as they are held up by amateur sumo wrestlers during a baby crying contest at Sensoji temple in Tokyo. In the contest two wrestlers each hold a baby while a referee makes faces and loud noises to make them cry. The baby who cries the loudest wins. © Reuters
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