Within four decades, almost half the people in Japan will be 65 years or older, compared with one in four nowWithin four decades, almost half the people in Japan will be 65 years or older, compared with one in four nowis to stop making the products for babies and instead raise production of adult diapers, in a reflection of the country’s
Oji Holdings, which specialises in paper products, said it would stop making children’s nappies in September amid a sharp decline in demand. The firm has seen sales drop from a peak of about 700m in 2001 to 400m today.The number of births in Japan fell to an all-time low of 758,631 in 2023, compared with 1,590,503 deaths.
A spokesperson for Oji Holdings said the firm would boost production of sanitary products for older people, adding that they expected them to be used in nursing homes and other public facilities. “Demand for baby diapers is decreasing due to several factors, including the falling birthrate,” the spokesperson said.
The firm will continue to sell nappies domestically until stocks run out, and plans to expand production in countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia, where demand is expected to grow.