TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Japan's population, including foreign residents, was recorded at 123.05 million in 2025, down 3.1 million from 2020.
Preliminary figures released by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on Friday, May 29 show that as of October 1 of last year, Japan's population was 123,049,524, a decrease of 3,096,575, or 2.5 percent, from the figure recorded in the 2020 census.
Japan's population recorded its first decline in the 2015 survey since the five-yearly census began in 1920, according to Xinhua.
This latest result marks the third consecutive decline, with the rate of decline widening from the 0.7 percent recorded in the previous survey to the largest decline in the census's history.
The ministry attributed the population decline to the country's aging population and a widening natural decline, where deaths exceed births.
With demographic trends likely to continue, the Japanese government faces increasing pressure to find ways to maintain regional communities and maintain economic vitality.
By prefecture, only Tokyo and Okinawa recorded population growth compared to the previous survey.
Tokyo's population increased by 199,000, while Okinawa's population increased by 1,000, although growth in both regions slowed compared to the previous census.
Among the 45 prefectures experiencing population declines, Hokkaido recorded the largest drop of 239,000, followed by a decline of 164,000 in Shizuoka and 141,000 in Hyogo.
Meanwhile, the number of households increased to 57,124,507, an increase of approximately 1.294 million from the previous census and the highest figure since comparable data became available in 1970.
However, the average household size decreased to 2.15 people from 2.26 previously. The ministry said this likely reflects the increasing number of elderly people living alone.
Final census figures are scheduled to be released in September of this year.
Read: Japan: Saving Elderly People from 'Lonely Deaths'
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Japan, Philippines Move Toward Intelligence Pact Amid China Concerns
18 jam lalu
Japan and the Philippines will begin talks on an intelligence-sharing pact amid concerns over China's military activity.
Taiwan and Japan Resume Direct Ferry Service After 18 Years
19 jam lalu
Taiwan and Japan resumed direct ferry service between Keelung and Ishigaki Island after an 18-year hiatus.
New Deadly Box Jellyfish Species Found off Singapore
7 hari lalu
Researchers discovered C. blakangmati, a highly venomous new species of box jellyfish near Singapore's Sentosa Island that actively hunts its prey.
Japan Slashes Middle East Oil Imports by 67.2%
7 hari lalu
Japan's oil imports from the Middle East fell 67.2% year-on-year in April, according to data released by the Finance Ministry.
South Korea, Japan Agree to Boost Energy Cooperation
9 hari lalu
The South Korean and Japanese leaders, whose nations have not always had good relations, have vowed deeper ties at talks.
Japan Questions UN's Ability to Handle Global Crises
10 hari lalu
There are indications that the ability of the UN Security Council has decreased in preventing and resolving conflicts.
Japan: Saving Elderly People from 'Lonely Deaths'
14 hari lalu
As Japanese society changes, many elderly people find themselves isolated and facing a "lonely death."
Honda Reports First Loss in Decades as It Slows EV Strategy
14 hari lalu
The Japanese carmaker pursued an aggressive switch towards electric vehicles that it's now trying to walk back.
Japan PM Sanae Takaichi to Visit South Korea: What Are the Agendas?
14 hari lalu
Sanae Takaichi is scheduled for a two-day visit to South Korea starting May 19 to meet with South Korea's Lee Jae Myung.
Japan Warns Nationals Against Committing Child Sexual Abuse in Indonesia
15 hari lalu
The Japanese Embassy in Jakarta warns that offenders will face prosecution in both Japan and Indonesia.
