In 2024, Japan experienced a staggering loss of nearly 1 million more deaths than births, highlighting its steepest annual population decline since records began almost 60 years ago.
The population, which peaked at about 126.6 million in 2009, has been on a consistent downward trend, as reported by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Communications on Wednesday.
Last year set two notable records: the lowest birth rate and the highest number of deaths.
Statistics reveal that this marks the fewest births since the government initiated tracking in 1968.
This ongoing natality crisis has prompted the Japanese government to introduce various family-friendly initiatives, like free childcare, better healthcare access, and shorter work weeks.
Yet, despite these efforts, the birth rate continues to sink, while an increasing number of foreign residents are looking to establish their lives in Japan.
The data indicates that, in 2024 alone, the foreign resident population grew by 10%, bringing the total to 3.6 million.
This rise in foreign residents, contrasted with declining birth rates, has led to a troubling increase in reports of xenophobia, racism, and discrimination against newcomers.
Complicating matters, seniors represent about 30% of Japan’s population, creating additional strain.
Workers aged 16 to 64 now constitute only 59% of the total population, which is significantly below the global average by six points, according to the Economic Co-operation and Development Agency.
From 2023 to 2060, the OECD predicts a 31% drop in the working-age population.
Despite various initiatives proposed by the government, it’s clear that changes in fertility rates won’t happen overnight, and true population recovery will take years, perhaps decades.
The government has concluded that immigration may be its best path forward.
A model from the Japanese government, updated in 2023, suggests a potential 30% decrease in the national population by 2070, though there’s hope for a slight slowdown in this trend due to increased international migration.
In 2020, Japan announced plans to launch an AI matchmaking system to help singles find partners faster, hoping to counter the troubling decline in fertility rates.
