In Japan, there are more pets than there are children.
Japan Has More Pets Than Children: A Demographic Shift
Walk through any neighborhood in Tokyo, and you'll notice something unusual: more people are walking dogs than pushing strollers. It's not your imagination—Japan officially has more household pets than children. As of 2025, the country is home to approximately 15.9 million cats and dogs, compared to just 13.7 million children under the age of 15.
This isn't a recent phenomenon. The crossover happened years ago. Back in 2003, Japan had roughly 19.2 million pets and 17.9 million children under 16. By 2009, those numbers had shifted dramatically to 23.2 million pets versus 17 million children. The gap has only widened since then.
Why Are Pets Replacing Children?
Japan's fertility rate tells much of the story. In 2024, it dropped to approximately 1.2 births per woman—far below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population. That's the eighth consecutive year of decline, hitting yet another record low.
But the numbers alone don't explain why this is happening. Several interconnected factors are driving Japanese society toward pets over parenthood:
- Economic pressure: Rising costs, stagnant wages, and brutal working hours make child-rearing financially daunting
- Housing constraints: Tiny urban apartments in Tokyo and Osaka aren't kid-friendly, but they can accommodate a cat or small dog
- Aging population: With over 28% of citizens above 65, elderly residents increasingly turn to pets for companionship
- Cultural shift: Pets have evolved from animals to family members—many Japanese treat them as legitimate child substitutes
What This Means for Society
The implications go far beyond pet stores and kindergartens. Japan's demographic crisis threatens its workforce, economy, and social safety net. An aging population with fewer young workers to support it creates massive strain on pension systems and healthcare.
Yet for individuals, pets offer something children increasingly can't: manageable companionship. They provide emotional support without the decades-long financial commitment, space requirements, or career sacrifices that raising children demands in modern Japan.
Pet culture has exploded accordingly. The Japan Pet Food Association tracks these numbers carefully, watching as the nation transforms into what some call a "pet society." Premium pet services—from luxury grooming salons to pet-friendly cafes and hotels—have become a multi-billion dollar industry.
A Global Warning Sign?
Japan isn't alone in facing declining birth rates, but it's further along the curve than most developed nations. South Korea, Italy, and Singapore are watching closely, as they face similar demographic pressures. If pets outnumbering children sounds extreme, consider that these countries may follow the same path within a decade.
The pet-to-child ratio has become an unexpected economic indicator—a visible symptom of deeper social challenges around work-life balance, housing affordability, and what constitutes a fulfilling life in the 21st century. When a society finds it easier to care for pets than raise the next generation, that's not just a statistical curiosity. It's a wake-up call.