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3h ago

Japan’s Population Shrinks by Record 908,574 as Births Hit Lowest Since 1899

Prime Minister Ishiba has declared the demographic crisis a "quiet emergency" to drive new family-oriented initiatives.

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The population of Japanese nationals fell by a record amount -- more than 900,000 people -- in 2024, official data showed, as the country battles to reverse its low birth rates

Overview

  • The national population slipped to about 120.65 million as of January 1, marking the 16th straight year of shrinkage.
  • Birth registrations fell to 686,061, the lowest since records began in 1899, while nearly 1.6 million deaths set a new high.
  • Citizens aged 65 and older now account for roughly 30 percent of the population, deepening strains on pensions, healthcare and the workforce.
  • Foreign resident numbers climbed to a record 3.67 million as officials seek to help fill critical labor gaps.
  • Government models forecast a roughly 30 percent population drop by 2070 even with expanded supports like free daycare, paternity leave incentives and housing subsidies.