Japan Reports Record Population Decline as Fertility Crisis Deepens

New data shows a loss of nearly 900,000 people in 2024, prompting expanded government measures to address a shrinking workforce and aging society.

Japan's population fell to a record low of 120.3 million in 2024, marking a decline of 898,000 people from the previous year, according to official data.
The fertility rate remains critically low at 1.2 births per woman, far below the 2.1 replacement level necessary to sustain population numbers.
Nearly 30% of Japan's population is now aged 65 or older, with those aged 75 and above accounting for a record 16.8%.
The government has introduced a $25 billion package to expand child allowances, improve childcare, and increase education support over the next three years.
Efforts to ease immigration restrictions aim to address labor shortages, with plans to triple the foreign workforce by 2040.