Japan’s population continues to shrink at an alarming rate, with a record low birth rate and high death rate contributing to the decline. According to recent data, the country lost over 900,000 people last year, bringing the total population to 120 million. This marks the biggest annual drop on record.
The decline is attributed to various factors, including a struggling economy, deep-seated gender norms, and limited space. The government has been trying to address these issues for over a decade but has seen little success. Efforts include offering subsidies to parents, encouraging paternity leave, and improving childcare facilities.
However, the cycle of birth and death remains intact, with fewer babies born and more deaths recorded each year. The proportion of elderly citizens is too high, accounting for nearly 30% of the population, while the proportion of working-age adults is continually shrinking.
Japan’s low fertility rate since the 1970s has led to this decline, making it a long-term problem. Experts warn that there is no quick fix and that the country needs to address these underlying issues. Even if Japan boosts its fertility rate significantly, its population will continue to decrease for several decades until the ratio of young to old balances out.
Some experts suggest welcoming more immigrants as a possible solution to Japan’s demographic crisis. However, this idea has been met with controversy in Japan due to concerns about xenophobia and racism. Despite this, the government is exploring options, such as launching new visa programs for foreign workers and upskilling them.
Recent data shows that the number of foreign residents in Japan increased by over 10% last year, reaching a record high of 3.6 million people. This increase may help slow down the pace of population decline, with some projections suggesting that it will fall by 30% by 2070.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/07/asia/japan-biggest-population-decline-record-intl-hnk