Unlike Japan, Germany’s total fertility rate has shown a slow but steady increase since its lowest point in the early 1990s. What are the factors behind this development? In the article 「ドイツの出生率推移を紐解く」(“Unraveling Germany’s fertility rate development”, in Japanese), DIJ sociologist Barbara Holthus explains how Germany has implemented a mix of family policies targeting time, money, and infrastructure measures for parents. Over the last 20 years, they have had varying influences on the fertility rate. As data shows, migration trends into Germany also play a complex role for its fertility rate, as many migrants are of child-bearing age and first-generation migrants have higher birthrates. In addition, there are significant differences in fertility rates at the sub-national level. Recent macro level influences like war and climate change are also important influences on Germany’s youth, coupled with rising rates in mental health problems. The article is published in a special section on countries facing a rapidly declining birthrate in the summer issue of the Japanese journal Pension and the Economy (『年金と経済』).