Japan’s population saw a record decline in 2024, driven by a persistent low birth rate that worsened last year. According to government statistics, the country’s citizen population dropped by 908,574, reaching approximately 126.5 million, marking a 0.75% decrease.
An AFP report from Tokyo noted that this is the largest population decline since records began in 1968, with the trend continuing for the 16th consecutive year. Experts warn that this decline is significantly impacting Japan’s economy, labor market, and social structure.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba described the situation as a “silent emergency” and pledged to strengthen family-friendly policies, such as flexible working hours and free daycare, to boost the birth rate.
However, alongside the population decline, the number of foreign residents has risen significantly, reaching the highest level since records began in 2013. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the total population decreased by 0.44% compared to 2023. Meanwhile, the rise of a new anti-immigration political party with the slogan “Japanese First” has sparked concerns, with claims that foreigners receive more welfare benefits than Japanese citizens.
Currently, citizens aged 65 and above account for nearly 30% of Japan’s population, while the working-age population (15–64 years) has slightly decreased to 60%. According to the World Bank, Japan has the second-highest proportion of elderly citizens globally, after the small state of Monaco.
In 2024, only 686,061 children were born in Japan, a decrease of 41,000 from 2023 and the lowest since records began in 1899. Analysts view this as an alarming signal for Japan’s demographic future.
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