Japan’s population growth has experienced a dramatic shift over the past several decades. After a period of rapid growth in the post-World War II era, Japan’s population peaked around 2010 at approximately 128 million people. Since then, the country has faced a steady decline due to a combination of low birth rates, an aging population, and limited immigration. As of 2023, Japan’s population is estimated to have fallen below 125 million, with projections indicating a continued decrease in the coming decades. This demographic trend poses significant challenges for the nation’s economy, social welfare systems, and workforce, prompting the government to explore policies aimed at boosting birth rates and supporting the elderly population.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 83,805,000 | 229.9 |
| 1955 | 89,815,060 | 246.4 |
| 1960 | 94,091,638 | 258.1 |
| 1965 | 98,882,534 | 271.3 |
| 1970 | 104,344,973 | 286.3 |
| 1975 | 111,573,116 | 306.1 |
| 1980 | 116,807,309 | 320.5 |
| 1985 | 120,754,335 | 331.3 |
| 1990 | 123,537,399 | 338.9 |
| 1995 | 125,327,055 | 343.8 |
| 2000 | 126,771,901 | 347.8 |
| 2005 | 127,705,189 | 350.4 |
| 2010 | 127,645,939 | 350.2 |
| 2015 | 126,656,703 | 347.5 |
| 2020 | 125,135,727 | 343.3 |
| 2022 | 124,214,766 | 340.8 |
| 2023 | 123,719,238 | 339.4 |
| 2024 | 123,201,945 | 338 |
| 2025 | 122,664,433 | 336.5 |
| 2030 | 119,732,022 | 328.5 |
| 2035 | 116,494,761 | 319.6 |
| 2040 | 113,086,546 | 310.3 |
| 2045 | 109,615,226 | 300.7 |
| 2050 | 106,156,887 | 291.3 |
| 2055 | 102,683,541 | 281.7 |
| 2060 | 99,081,689 | 271.8 |
| 2065 | 95,307,355 | 261.5 |
| 2070 | 91,473,753 | 251 |
| 2075 | 87,769,171 | 240.8 |
| 2080 | 84,345,598 | 231.4 |
| 2085 | 81,194,906 | 222.8 |
| 2090 | 78,262,276 | 214.7 |
| 2095 | 75,504,519 | 207.2 |
| 2100 | 72,883,584 | 200 |
Data from US Census International Database