Japan’s Nappy Maker Shifts Focus to Adult Nappies Due to Declining Birth Rates

A significant move is underway in Japan’s manufacturing environment as Oji Holdings, a renowned nappy maker, declares its cessation of baby diaper production within the country. Instead, the company will pivot its efforts towards catering to the needs of the elderly with adult nappies.

Oji Holdings revealed that its subsidiary, Oji Nepia, currently responsible for churning out 400 million infant nappies annually, has witnessed a steady decline in production since its peak in 2001, where it produced 700 million nappies. The decision to halt the production of children’s nappies, effective September, stems from a sharp downturn in demand.

“The firm would boost production of sanitary products for older people, expected to be utilized in nursing homes and various public facilities,” stated Oji Holdings. This strategic move comes amidst a multifaceted decline in demand for baby diapers, attributed in part to Japan’s falling birthrate.

While domestic production of baby diapers ceases, Oji Holdings plans to continue manufacturing them in Malaysia and Indonesia, anticipating burgeoning demand in those markets.

This shift underscores the broader demographic challenges facing Japan, with birth rates plunging to record lows. Notably, sales of adult nappies have surpassed those for infants for over a decade. In 2023, Japan recorded a mere 758,631 births, marking an eighth consecutive year of decline and representing nearly half the figure logged in 1983.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in a poignant statement on January 23, 2023, emphasized Japan’s precarious societal standing, dubbing it a critical juncture of “now or never.”

Japan’s demographic conundrum finds echoes across the region, with dwindling fertility rates observed in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea, the latter holding the title for the world’s lowest birth rate. Meanwhile, China grapples with a consecutive two-year population decline, prompting the introduction of various incentives aimed at bolstering birth rates.