Khaberni - The latest census data reveals a decline in Japan's population to about 123 million by the year 2025, marking the largest population decrease in its modern history. This is a new indicator of the worsening demographic crisis in the country, according to local media.
According to the official census results, Japan’s population, including foreign residents, dropped by approximately 3.1 million people compared to 2020, a decline of 2.5% in just five years.
This decrease is the third consecutive one in population censuses conducted every five years, amidst the continuing trend of more deaths than births, along with a rapidly increasing proportion of elderly within the Japanese society.
The data also shows that more than 30% of the country's population now resides in the Greater Tokyo Area, marking the first time the capital has surpassed this figure; this reflects the widening gap between major cities and rural areas, which are experiencing decreasing populations and an aging society.
The Japanese authorities see these demographic changes as an increasing challenge to the economy, labor market, and social services, especially with the population expected to continue declining in the coming years.
According to United Nations estimates for 2025, Japan holds the twelfth position globally in terms of population, accounting for about 1.5% of the world’s total population.
Among the more than 20 most populous countries worldwide, Japan, China, Russia, and Thailand were among the few nations that experienced a population decline between 2020 and 2025, with Japan recording the largest decrease among them.
