In 2023, Japan experienced the largest population decline on record, with the number of Japanese nationals falling by 861,000, or 0.70 percent, from the previous year. This brought the total number of Japanese nationals to 121,561,801.
This marks the 15th consecutive year of population decline and the steepest drop since the survey began in 1968, according to government data released on Wednesday.
Including foreign residents, Japan's population as of January 1, 2024, was 124,885,175, representing a decrease of approximately 532,000, or 0.42 percent, from the previous year. This information comes from a demographics survey conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Despite the overall decline, the number of foreign residents in Japan rose by 329,535, or 11.01 percent, to 3,323,374 during the reporting year. This increase was largely due to the lifting of Covid-related border control measures in April 2023, which allowed the return of international students and technical interns.
Foreign residents increased across all of Japan’s 47 prefectures, surpassing 3 million for the first time. However, only Tokyo saw a slight rise in its Japanese population, increasing by 3,933, or 0.03 percent, due to a high influx of people moving to the capital.
The overall population, including foreign residents, increased year-on-year in the three prefectures of Tokyo, Chiba, and Okinawa, while it declined in the other 44 prefectures.
A record low of 730,000 births in Japan, significantly outnumbered by a record high 1.58 million deaths, was a major factor contributing to the population decline, according to the Ministry.
This demographic shift highlights the continuing challenges Japan faces with its ageing population and declining birth rate. Despite efforts to encourage higher birth rates and more inclusive immigration policies, the population continues to shrink. The increase in foreign residents is a positive sign, reflecting Japan’s gradual shift towards embracing a more diverse and inclusive society.
The population decline poses significant challenges for Japan’s economy and social services. An ageing population can strain healthcare and pension systems, while a shrinking workforce can impact economic growth and productivity.
Addressing these issues requires comprehensive policies that support families, encourage higher birth rates, and facilitate the integration of foreign residents into Japanese society.
Japan's demographic trends are closely watched by policymakers and economists, as they have broad implications for the country's future. The government has introduced various measures to address the declining birth rate, including financial incentives for families, improved childcare services, and work-life balance initiatives. However, reversing the trend will likely require sustained and multifaceted efforts over the long term.
The rise in foreign residents is a step in the right direction, but Japan will need to continue to adapt its policies and societal attitudes to fully integrate and support this growing demographic. This includes addressing challenges such as language barriers, cultural integration, and employment opportunities for foreign nationals.
Japan's population decline in 2023 underscores the urgency of addressing demographic challenges. While the increase in foreign residents offers some relief, comprehensive and sustained efforts are needed to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the country.
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