Japan experiences a significant decline in its population in 2024
In Japan, the population in the capital city and Chiba Prefecture has continued to grow, yet the nation as a whole has faced a shrinking population for the 16th consecutive year. The Japanese population in 2024 was 120.65 million people, a significant drop from its peak of 126.6 million in 2009.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has labelled this population decline a "quiet emergency." In 2024, births in Japan fell below 700,000 for the first time on record, with only 686,061 newborns recorded - the lowest number since records began in 1899. Consequently, Japanese nationals aged 65 or over made up 30% of the country’s population, while 60% were between 15 and 64 years old.
The Japanese government has been grappling with the challenge of raising the country's low birth rate, a problem that has contributed to the population decline. The shrinking population has also resulted in a record high population drop of 0.75% in 2024, marking the largest population drop since records began in 1968.
Amidst these demographic challenges, Japan has the second-oldest population among economically developed countries, after the tiny state of Monaco. To address this issue, Japan has shifted its immigration policy to welcome more foreign workers and residents, a move that has seen the number of foreign nationals in Japan reach a record high of 3.67 million people as of January 1, 2025.
This strategic response to demographic challenges has not been without controversy. A new anti-immigration party has been appealing to voters by placing the blame for Japan's economic problems on foreigners living in the country. This party saw a surge in support in last month's parliamentary election, resulting in the coalition government losing its majority.
Tokyo, the most populous city in Japan with 14 million residents, has been a hub for this influx of foreign nationals. The city's population growth is a testament to the attractiveness of Japan's urban centres for migrants seeking opportunities. However, the rise of anti-immigration sentiments has highlighted the need for a balanced approach to immigration policy.
As Japan navigates its population decline and demographic challenges, it continues to grapple with the complexities of immigration and integration. The future of Japan's population dynamics will be shaped by the country's ability to strike a balance between its need for a growing workforce and its cultural identity.
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