Japan's population falls below 120 million for first time in 42 years amid demographic crisis

Japan is grappling with a significant demographic shift as its citizen population has dropped below 120 million for the first time in 42 years. Data released by the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs reveals a continuing decline in the number of Japanese nationals, highlighting the nation's deepening demographic crisis, which is largely attributed to low birth rates and a rapidly aging population.

As of January 1st, the number of Japanese citizens residing in the country stood at 119.74 million, marking a 0.76 percent decrease from the previous year. This marks the seventeenth consecutive year of decline since the population peak recorded in 2009. The statistics, which have been tracked since 1968, paint a stark picture of a shrinking native population.

In stark contrast, the number of foreign residents in Japan has surged to its highest level since records began in 2013. This influx has pushed the total population of Japan, including non-citizens, to 123.8 million. This trend underscores a growing reliance on foreign labor and residents to offset the declining birthrate and aging workforce.

Japan's demographic challenges are further illustrated by its aging population, which, according to the World Bank, has the second-highest median age globally at 49.9 years, surpassed only by Monaco. The declining birthrate is also a critical concern, with the total fertility rate falling from 1.15 to a record low of 1.14 children per woman last year. This marks the tenth consecutive year of decline, with the number of births decreasing by nearly 15,000 to just over 670,000, the lowest figure since statistics were first compiled in 1899.

In an effort to counteract these trends, the Tokyo metropolitan government launched a matchmaking app, TOKYO Enmusubi, in September of the previous year. By the end of June, the app had registered 16,000 users. Out of approximately 36,000 interested individuals, 760 have formed serious relationships, and authorities report that the app has contributed to 265 marriages. While these initiatives aim to encourage marriage and childbirth, the overall demographic trajectory remains a significant concern for Japan's future.