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.