Japan's population falls 2.46% in five years, largest ever recorded

Japan's population has declined by 2.46% in five years, with preliminary census data revealing a drop of three million people to 123 million inhabitants. This marks a significant acceleration of the aging and low birth rate trends plaguing the archipelago.

The five-year period from 2020 to 2025 saw a 2.46% decrease, a stark contrast to the 0.75% falls recorded in the previous two census periods. The government acknowledges this trend, with spokesperson Minoru Kihara stating, "We recognize that this confirms, once again, that depopulation in our country is advancing even further."

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We recognize that this confirms, once again, that depopulation in our country is advancing even further.

Adding to the demographic challenge is the "unipolarity" of the nation, where metropolitan areas like Tokyo continue to grow – Tokyo added nearly 200,000 people in five years – at the expense of rural regions. Kihara emphasized the need to "promote the decentralization of people and companies towards the regions to correct this unipolarity." The government is reportedly "firmly" implementing policies to support birth rates, including increased child subsidies.

Japan also registered a record low in births in 2025, marking the tenth consecutive year of decline. With only 705,809 newborns, the birth rate fell 2.1% year-on-year, underscoring the deep-seated demographic crisis.

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promote the decentralization of people and companies towards the regions to correct this unipolarity.