Is Japan’s Native Population Facing an Unprecedented Decline?
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Synopsis
Japan faces a demographic crisis as its native population sees a record decline for the 16th year in a row. With a staggering drop of 908,000 people in 2024, the government is grappling with the implications of this trend. Explore the factors contributing to this change and its impact on the future of the nation.
Key Takeaways
- Japan's native population fell by 908,000 in 2024.
- This marks the 16th consecutive year of decline.
- The total population, including foreigners, decreased by 554,000.
- Foreign residents now number 3,677,463, a 10.65% increase.
- Tokyo is the only prefecture with a native population increase.
Tokyo, Aug 7 (NationPress) Japan's native population has experienced a significant decrease of approximately 908,000 individuals in 2024, marking the most substantial fall since records began in 1968, according to the latest official statistics.
Data from a demographics survey conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications indicates that the number of Japanese nationals was recorded at 120,653,227 as of January 1, 2025, continuing a downward trend for the 16th consecutive year.
Including foreign residents, the overall population stood at 124,330,690, reflecting a decrease of about 554,000 from the previous year.
In contrast to the declining native population, the count of foreign residents surged to a record 3,677,463, up by 354,089 individuals, or 10.65 percent, from the prior year. This statistic has been included in the survey since 2013, as reported by Japan's leading Kyodo news agency.
The prefecture of Hokkaido experienced the highest growth rate in foreign residents at 19.57 percent. Approximately 85.77 percent of these foreign nationals fall within working age, addressing labor shortages prompted by the nation's aging and diminishing population.
This influx of foreign residents has spurred political reactions. Amid rising living costs and concerns over the potential misuse of systems by some migrants, political factions such as the Sanseito party, which advocates a "Japanese First" approach, reportedly gained traction during the July House of Councillors election.
As per local media reports, Japan recorded a mere 687,689 births in 2024, the lowest ever, while the number of deaths reached a staggering 1.59 million.
The most significant declines in native population were observed in the prefectures of Akita (1.91 percent), Aomori (1.72 percent), and Kochi (1.71 percent), with a national average decline of 0.75 percent.
Notably, Tokyo was the only prefecture to witness an increase in its native population, rising by 0.13 percent, primarily due to internal migration. When considering foreign nationals, only Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture registered overall population growth.
Currently, individuals aged 65 and above constitute 29.58 percent of the Japanese population, while those aged 15 to 64 account for 59.04 percent, both figures slightly higher than last year.
Point of View
It's essential to address the ongoing demographic challenges Japan faces. The record decline in the native population highlights urgent issues that require comprehensive policies to ensure stability and growth. While foreign residents offer a potential solution to labor shortages, it's crucial to balance national interests with the integration of newcomers into society.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the decline in Japan's native population?
The decline is attributed to a combination of low birth rates and an aging population, resulting in more deaths than births.
How has the number of foreign residents changed?
The number of foreign residents has increased significantly, with a record growth of 10.65% from the previous year.
What are the implications of this demographic shift?
The demographic shift could lead to labor shortages, economic challenges, and potential political changes as parties respond to the rising foreign population.
Which prefectures experienced the most significant declines?
Prefectures like Akita, Aomori, and Kochi saw the sharpest declines in their native populations.
Is any area in Japan seeing population growth?
Yes, Tokyo is the only prefecture to register a rise in its native population, mainly due to internal migration.
