Japan’s population experiences historic decline, with a record high decrease of 511,000 people in the past year, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The total population, including foreigners, now stands at 125,416,877 as of January 1st this year.
This latest survey reveals that all 47 prefectures in Japan have seen a decrease in population for the first time in history, highlighting the serious issue of declining birth rates across the country. The number of Japanese nationals in the total population is 122,423,038, marking a continuous decline for 14 consecutive years. The number of newborns in Japan for the entire year is approximately 772,000, reaching a historic low. Meanwhile, the number of deaths has significantly increased to 1.565 million compared to the previous year.
Among the total population, the number of foreigners is 2,993,839. This increase is attributed to the relaxation of immigration restrictions, leading to a rise in the number of international students and technical interns. It is the first time in three years that the foreign population in Japan has seen an increase.
Japanese media has emphasized the urgent need to address the declining population in order to maintain regional vitality and ensure employment opportunities for young people and women.
This article is an original piece by Wang Shanning and Li Meng for Overseas Network and is not authorized for reproduction.
Editor: Wang Shanning, Li Meng
What factors have contributed to the historic decline in Japan’s population?
Japan’s population is experiencing a historic decline, with a staggering 511,000 people leaving the country in the past year, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. As of January 1st this year, the total population, including foreigners, now stands at 125,416,877.
A recent survey has revealed that all 47 prefectures in Japan have witnessed a decrease in population for the first time in history. This alarming trend highlights the pressing issue of declining birth rates across the country. The number of Japanese nationals in the total population is 122,423,038, marking a continuous decline for 14 consecutive years. Shockingly, the number of newborns in Japan for the entire year has reached a historic low of approximately 772,000. On the other hand, the number of deaths has significantly increased to 1.565 million compared to the previous year.
In a somewhat contrasting trend, the number of foreigners in Japan has seen an increase, with a total of 2,993,839 individuals now residing in the country. This rise can be attributed to the relaxation of immigration restrictions, leading to a boost in the number of international students and technical interns. It marks the first time in three years that the foreign population in Japan has experienced growth.
Japanese media outlets have been quick to emphasize the urgent need to address this declining population. The aim is to maintain regional vitality and ensure employment opportunities for young people and women. It is a critical issue that demands attention and action.
Please note that this article is an original piece by Wang Shanning and Li Meng for Overseas Network and is not authorized for reproduction.
This alarming decline in Japan’s population is a wake-up call for policymakers. It’s essential to prioritize initiatives that encourage childbirth and address the aging population’s needs to ensure a sustainable future for the country.