Japan's Population Decline Accelerates to Record Level

Japan's population saw a record decline in 2024, with Japanese nationals dropping by 898,000 to 120.3 million and the total population, including foreign residents, falling by 550,000 to 123.8 million—the largest drop since 1950. While the number of foreign residents has risen for the third straight year, it has not fully offset the overall population decrease. The nation faces a rapidly aging society, a shrinking workforce, and a record-low child population, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of its social security system and long-term economic future. Government efforts, such as expanded child allowances and improved childcare access, have so far failed to reverse the trend, as many young people delay marriage and parenthood due to economic uncertainty and changing social norms. Officials admit current policies are not enough, and experts warn of severe labor shortages and fiscal challenges ahead. Japan's demographic decline is occurring at a particularly accelerated pace compared to other developed nations.