JAPAN’S POPULATION SEES RECORD DECLINE, FALLING BELOW 124 MILLION

Sat 30 May 2026:

Japan’s population has fallen to just over 123 million, marking the country’s largest-ever decline over a five-year period, according to preliminary 2025 census data reported by NHK on Friday.

Japan’s Internal Affairs Ministry said the population stood at 123,049,524 as of Oct. 1, 2025 down by more than 3 million people, or 2.5%, from the previous census conducted in 2020.

The latest figures mark the third consecutive population decline since Japan first recorded a drop in 2015. The country has conducted a national census every five years since 1920.

Among Japan’s 47 province, only Tokyo and Okinawa recorded population increases, although growth slowed in both regions. The remaining 45 provinces saw declines, with Hokkaido posting the largest decrease.

Despite the shrinking population, the number of households rose to a record 57.1 million, while the number of people per household fell from 2.26 to 2.15.. Officials said the trend reflects a growing number of elderly people living alone.

The ministry is expected to release the final census figures by September.

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Declining Population Worldwide and Its Impact

Globally, population growth is slowing, and many countries are now experiencing population decline. While the world population is projected to peak around mid-century at about 10.3 billion, some regions, especially in Eastern Europe, Japan, and parts of East Asia, are already seeing rapid decreases due to low birth rates, aging populations, and emigration.

Key Causes:

Falling fertility rates below replacement level.
Increased life expectancy leading to aging populations.
Economic and social factors discouraging larger families.
Migration patterns reducing populations in some countries.

Major Issues Arising:

Economic Challenges:
Fewer working-age people mean labor shortages, reduced economic growth, and increased pressure on social welfare systems to support a growing elderly population.
Social Impacts:
Aging societies face increased healthcare demands and potential declines in innovation and productivity. Smaller youth populations can affect education systems and community vitality.
Geopolitical Effects:
Countries with shrinking populations may lose influence globally. Migration shifts can cause demographic imbalances and social tensions.
Sustainability and Adaptation:
While population decline may reduce environmental pressures, it requires major adaptations in urban planning, healthcare, and pension systems.

In summary, the declining population trend poses complex economic, social, and political challenges worldwide. Addressing these requires innovative policies to support families, manage aging, and adapt economies to changing demographics.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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