May 29, 2026 (News On Japan) –
Japan’s inhabitants stood at 123.05 million in 2025, in response to preliminary outcomes from the nationwide census launched by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, marking a decline of three.097 million folks over the previous 5 years.
The lower was the biggest since census data started, with the tempo of decline accelerating from the earlier survey as Japan’s shrinking birthrate and growing older inhabitants continued to drive a pure inhabitants lower.
By prefecture, solely Tokyo and Okinawa recorded inhabitants development. The remaining 45 prefectures noticed declines. Kanagawa’s inhabitants fell for the primary time since World War II, whereas Saitama and Chiba recorded their first inhabitants declines since census data started in 1920.
Tokyo remained the nation’s most populous prefecture with 14.24 million residents. The better Tokyo metropolitan space, which incorporates Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba, reached a inhabitants of 36.98 million. Its share of Japan’s whole inhabitants rose to 30.1%, surpassing 30% for the primary time.
The figures spotlight the persevering with focus of individuals in and across the capital, whilst inhabitants losses unfold throughout a lot of the nation.
More than 90% of Japan’s 1,719 municipalities recorded inhabitants declines, underscoring the demographic challenges dealing with regional communities.
Japan’s standing within the world inhabitants rankings additionally slipped. The nation was overtaken by Ethiopia and now ranks twelfth on this planet by inhabitants.
The newest census outcomes reinforce considerations concerning the long-term financial and social influence of demographic decline, together with labor shortages, shrinking regional economies and rising strain on social welfare methods because the proportion of aged residents continues to extend.
Source: TBS