Japan's population falls below 120 million for first time in 42 years
New figures from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications show a 0,76% drop in Japanese residents and a record high of 4,03 million foreign residents.
Japan's resident Japanese population has dropped below 120 million for the first time in 42 years, official figures show. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications reports 119,74 million Japanese nationals living in Japan, a fall of 0,76% compared with the previous year.
The decline marks the 17th consecutive year of population decrease since the domestic population peaked in 2009. Demographers point to persistently low birth rates and an aging society as the main long-term drivers of the trend.
Foreign residents reach a new high
At the same time, the number of foreign residents in Japan rose sharply. The ministry's data show a 9,62% increase in foreign nationals, reaching a record 4,03 million — the highest level since this category has been tracked from 2013. During 2025, a record 720.988 foreigners moved to Japan.
When foreign nationals are included, the total population in Japan stands at 123,8 million. The divergent trends — a shrinking Japanese citizenry and growing numbers of foreign residents — are reshaping debates about labour supply, social care and immigration policy.
Experts warn that a falling native population increases pressure on public finances and services as the share of retirees grows. At the same time, the rise in foreign residents has been cited by businesses and some local authorities as one partial response to labour shortages in sectors such as manufacturing, construction and elder care.
Policymakers face the challenge of balancing measures to support family formation and fertility with policies that integrate and retain foreign workers. The ministry's numbers underline how demographic change will remain a central issue for Japan's economy and society in the years ahead.
Photo: press material from the event
