Japan's population has declined by a record-breaking 908,574 people in 2024, bringing the total number of Japanese nationals to 120.65 million as of January 1, 2025, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
This marks the 16th consecutive year of population decline and represents the largest annual drop since the current survey methodology began in 1968, highlighting Japan's deepening demographic crisis.
The country continues to struggle with persistently low birth rates, with Japan's fertility rate standing at just 1.2 expected births per woman in 2023, well below the replacement level needed to maintain population stability.
While the Japanese national population shrinks dramatically, the foreign resident population has grown by 11% to reach 3 million for the first time, partially offsetting but not reversing the overall demographic trend.
Government policymakers face mounting pressure to implement effective solutions to address this population crisis, as projections suggest Japan's population could fall to 86.74 million by 2060 if current trends continue unchecked.
