Japan marks 'steepest' population decline with nearly a million more deaths than births

Japan is facing a serious population challenge, as it experienced nearly one million more deaths than births in 2024.

Recent data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications revealed that only 686,061 births were registered last year—the lowest number since 1899. 

Contrastingly, there were approximately 1.59 million deaths, bringing the total population down to 124.33 million.

The consistent population decline has raised significant concerns regarding the shrinking workforce. Prime Minister called the situation a "quiet emergency" and pledged family-friendly measures like free childcare and more flexible work hours.

Japan is also grappling with significant challenges related to its ageing population. 

According to the Internal Affairs Ministry, nearly 30% of the population is currently aged 65 or older, a figure projected to rise to 40% by 2070, with the total population estimated to decrease to around 87 million.

Towns and villages are also emptying at a record pace, such that nearly four million homes have been abandoned over the last two decades. A 2014 report titled "Local Extinctions" by Hiroya Masuda predicted that by 2040, nearly 900 towns and villages in the country would face extinction. In 2019, some towns like Okutama, which had lost half of its population at the time, were giving away homes for free.

Meanwhile, the number of foreign residents in Japan has reached a record high. As of January 1, 2025, this number reached 3.6 million, representing 3% of the total population.

In September 2024, the Tokyo government launched a new dating app using AI as part of its efforts to boost the plunging national birth rate. It also eyed introducing a four-day workweek to aid young families.