Japan population sees record five-year drop: Census
Japan's population has experienced a record decline of 2.5 percent over the past five years, according to the latest census data. The population has decreased to 123 million, marking a drop of more than 3 million since the last survey in 2020. This trend highlights ongoing demographic challenges, including low birth rates and an aging population.
- ▪Japan's population fell to 123 million in 2025, down from 126 million in 2020.
- ▪This decline of 2.5 percent is the largest recorded since the census began in 1920.
- ▪The number of births in Japan has decreased for the 10th consecutive year, with 705,809 babies born in 2025.
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Japan population sees record five-year drop: CensusSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxA preliminary tally of Japan’s census found that the population slipped to 123 million people in 2025.PHOTO: AFPPublished May 29, 2026, 12:30 PMUpdated May 29, 2026, 12:30 PMTOKYO - Japan’s population dropped by a record 2.5 per cent in the span of five years, census data showed on May 29, as the world’s fourth-largest economy struggles to overcome demographic woes.A preliminary tally of Japan’s census, released every five years, found that the population slipped to 123 million people in 2025 – more than 3 million fewer than when the survey was last carried out in 2020.It was the biggest decrease since the twice-a-decade survey started in 1920, and more than triple the decline…
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