A record drop in the number of Japanese citizens. The population decreases continuously

The population of Japan has been decreasing continuously for 14 years – wrote on Tuesday the daily “Asahi Shimbun”, commenting on the data of the Ministry of the Interior. They show that the number of citizens of the country decreased by 898 thousand during the year. up to 120.3 million, which means the largest decline since 1950.

The data of the Ministry of the Interior published on Monday as at October 1, 2024, it also shows that the total number of inhabitants of the country – i.e. taking into account foreigners – amounted to approx. 123.8 million, which means a decline year -on -year by approx. 550 thousand. people.

As emphasized, the aging of society is progressing – The 65+ age group is a record 29.3 percent populationand people aged 75 and older are 16.8 percent. The percentage of people under the age of 15 fell to the lowest level of 11.2 percent in history. Persons of working age (15-64 years) constitute 59.6 percent. population.

Birth indicator in Japan – one of the lowest in the world – reduces working strength, a decrease in consumption and difficulties in recruitment of employees. In 2024, not enough, only 720,988 children were born.

Demographs point out that many young Japanese delay the moment of marriage and possession of children for various reasons – from fears about finding employment to changing social values, which make them attach less importance to marriage.

Japan is also more and more turning to the young labor force from abroad, but still maintains a restrictive immigration policy, allowing foreign employees to enter only temporarily.

Krzysztof Pawliszak (PAP)

KRP/ AKL/