TOKYO, Japan – Japan’s population is shrinking at an alarming pace, with the number of Japanese citizens living in the country falling below 120 million for the first time in 42 years, according to new government data released on Wednesday (July 29). The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications reported that the Japanese population stood at 119.74 million people as of January 1, down 0.76% from the previous year.
Japan’s population has declined for 17 consecutive years since reaching its peak in 2009, according to statistics dating back to 1968. The country is facing a growing demographic crisis driven by a declining birth rate and a rapidly ageing society. However, the number of foreign residents in Japan has reached a record high since records began in 2013. Including foreign residents, Japan’s total population stood at approximately 123.8 million people.
Japan remains one of the world’s oldest societies, with an average age of 49.9 years, ranking second globally behind Monaco, according to World Bank data. The country’s fertility rate also fell again last year to a record low, highlighting the long-term challenges facing the world’s fourth-largest economy. The total fertility rate dropped by 0.01 from the previous year to 1.14 children per woman, marking the 10th consecutive year of decline.
The number of newborn babies also dropped by nearly 15,000 to just over 670,000 births, the lowest figure since records began in 1899. The population decline is creating growing pressure on Japan’s economy, contributing to labour shortages, rising social security costs and a shrinking tax base.
In an effort to address the falling marriage rate, the Tokyo metropolitan government has turned to technology. Its AI-powered dating application TOKYO Enmusubi, launched in September 2024, has already helped hundreds of couples begin serious relationships. The government said the matchmaking service had attracted around 16,000 registered users by June 30, with 760 couples entering serious relationships and 265 couples getting married through the platform.
The service requires users to prove they are legally single, complete online interviews and meet other requirements designed to ensure participants are genuinely seeking marriage. One woman, identified only by the nickname “Turtle,” said she joined the service as a “last chance” opportunity before turning 40. She later met her current husband through the platform and accepted his marriage proposal several months later.
Despite efforts to encourage marriage and childbirth, Japan continues to face one of the most serious demographic challenges among developed nations, with policymakers searching for solutions to support families and maintain economic stability.
