Population of Japanese nationals falls below 120 million for first time in 42 years
Tokyo, July 29
The total population of Japanese nationals in Japan fell below 120 million for the first time in 42 years to 119,736,483 as of January 1 this year, government data showed Wednesday.
The figure marked a decline of 917,000 people compared to the previous year, the largest drop since comparable data became available in 1968, according to data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Of Japan's 47 prefectures, Tokyo was the only one that recorded an increase of 0.09 per cent in the number of Japanese nationals, data showed, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The number of foreign residents, meanwhile, increased 354,000 to a record 4,031,159. The figure is the highest since the ministry began taking the count in 2013.
Japan's total population, including foreign residents, stood at 123,767,642, down by approximately 563,000 from the previous year. Population growth was reported only in Tokyo, Chiba and Osaka prefectures.
Earlier in May, government data revealed that child population in Japan has reduced to an estimated 13.29 million as of April 1, showcasing a decline of 350,000 from a year earlier and marking a new record low. The figure had declined for the 45th consecutive year.
The ratio of children aged below 15 years dropped 0.3 percentage point to 10.8 per cent of the total population, the lowest since comparable data became available in 1950, according to data released by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication, Japan's Kyodo News reported.
The figures, including foreign residents, were calculated based on population estimates mentioned in the national census conducted every five years.
The decline in population has continued for 45 years despite several measures taken by the Japanese government, such as increasing financial support for families who are raising a child. In order to address the declining birthrate, the Japanese government has declared the period through 2030 as a "final opportunity to reverse the trend."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Japan is opening up to foreign workers while their native population shrinks. India could actually benefit from this—our skilled youth can fill those gaps! But we need better language training and cultural exchange programs. It's win-win if done right. 🇯🇵🇮🇳
I visited Tokyo last year and was amazed how clean and efficient everything is, but also noticed how many elderly are working in convenience stores and taxis. Their work culture is intense—long hours, less family time. No wonder young people don't want kids. We Indians should appreciate our joint family system more 😅
Japan has been trying financial incentives for decades—cash handouts, parental leave—but it hasn't worked. The core issue is cultural: career-focused society, expensive childcare, and housing. India faces similar pressures in cities like Mumbai and Bangalore. We need to address root causes, not just throw money at the problem. Just my two paise.
Wow, child population below 15 years is just 10.8%! In India, it's still around 25% but declining fast. Both countries have different trajectories, but we both need to plan for an aging population. Better pensions, healthcare, and automation will be key. Japan is innovating with robots for elderly care—we should take notes! 📝🤖
As someone who worked in Japan for 3 years, the decline makes sense. The work culture is brutal—even the word 'karoshi' (death from overwork) exists. Young people simply can't afford families
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