Japan records population decline for 14th consecutive year

Japan's population continues to decline, marking the 14th consecutive year of decrease, according to the latest demographic estimates released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The figures, as of October 1, 2024, highlight Japan’s deepening demographic challenges, including a shrinking population, a rapidly aging society, and persistently low birth rates.

According to the ministry, the total population — including foreign residents — stands at 123.8 million, reflecting a 0.44% decrease from the previous year.

The most significant drop was observed in the number of Japanese nationals, which fell to 120.3 million, representing a 0.74% decline — the largest annual decrease on record.

In contrast, the number of foreign residents reached 3.5 million, the highest ever recorded in Japan’s history.

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Age-wise, 29.3% of the population is aged 65 or older, another record-high proportion. Additionally, those aged 75 or older now make up 16.8% of the total population, also a new peak.

Children aged 15 and under number 13.8 million, accounting for just 11.2% of the population — the lowest proportion ever recorded.

The working-age population (those aged 15 to 64) now comprises 59.6% of the total.

Out of Japan’s 47 prefectures, only Tokyo and Saitama recorded slight population growth. All other regions experienced a decline.

Experts warn that Japan is facing an impending labor shortage, economic strain, and mounting pressure on social welfare systems as the demographic shift intensifie