Japan population: key figures and trends

The Japan population stands at about 123 million people, making it one of the twelve most populous countries in the world. It peaked at around 128 million in 2008 and has been declining since, as births fall and the population ages faster than almost anywhere else.

Key figures

Figures come from the Statistics Bureau of Japan and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and change slightly each year.

An ageing and shrinking society

Japan's fertility rate is around 1.2 children per woman, well below the replacement level. Rural towns face depopulation, empty houses (akiya) and school closures, while big cities continue to attract young people. The government supports families and encourages foreign workers to help address labour shortages.

Where people live

The Japan population is concentrated on narrow coastal plains, because about two thirds of the land is mountainous and forested. The Pacific corridor from Tokyo through Nagoya to Osaka holds a large share of the country's residents. See the largest cities for details.

Foreign residents and visitors

The number of foreign residents has grown steadily, led by nationals of China, Vietnam, South Korea and the Philippines. International visitor numbers also reached record highs after 2023, bringing new efforts to manage crowding in popular places.

What it means for travelers

Visitors notice the effects of an ageing society in rural areas, where some trains and buses run infrequently and inns close in the off-season. In cities, the contrast is less visible. Respecting local communities, especially in small towns welcoming many tourists, helps tourism remain positive for residents.

Households and daily life

The average household size has fallen to around two people, and single-person households are the most common type. Convenience stores, compact housing and services such as food delivery reflect this change.

Regional contrasts

Tokyo and a few large cities continue to grow slightly thanks to internal migration, while many rural prefectures lose residents each year. Akita, Aomori and Kochi are among the prefectures with the oldest populations. Local governments encourage remote workers and families to settle in the countryside, with subsidies and renovated houses.

Languages

Japanese is spoken by almost everyone, with regional dialects such as Kansai-ben in Osaka. The Ainu people of Hokkaido and the people of Okinawa have their own languages and cultural traditions, which museums such as Upopoy in Hokkaido present to visitors.

Population and tourism

Popular destinations such as Kyoto and Kamakura have introduced measures to manage crowds, including dedicated tourist buses, restricted areas and visitor fees in some places. Visiting less crowded regions supports local economies affected by population decline.

Cities and density

Tokyo's 23 wards have one of the highest population densities among major world cities, yet streets remain orderly thanks to efficient public transport. In contrast, Hokkaido covers more than a fifth of the country's land but holds only about four percent of its residents, which gives it wide open landscapes.

Official source: Japan National Tourism Organization

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