Japan is facing an unprecedented population crisis, with nearly one million more deaths than births recorded in 2024. Government data shows this is the sharpest annual population drop since records began over half a century ago, sparking urgent calls for action.
A “Quiet Emergency” for the Nation
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has described the country’s demographic challenge as a “quiet emergency”. In response, his government has pledged a range of family-friendly measures, including:
Free childcare for families
More flexible working hours to support parents
Incentives to encourage couples to have more children
Despite these policies, efforts to boost the birth rate have made little progress.
The Numbers Paint a Stark Picture
Fresh statistics released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on Wednesday reveal:
686,061 births in 2024 – the lowest since records began in 1899
1.6 million deaths, meaning more than two deaths for every birth
Population drop of 908,574 Japanese nationals in one year
16th consecutive year of population decline
The total population of Japan stood at around 124.3 million at the start of 2025 — a 0.44% fall from the previous year.
Ageing Society and Shrinking Workforce
The statistics also highlight a rapidly ageing society:
Nearly 30% of Japan’s population is aged 65 or older — the second-highest proportion in the world after Monaco, according to the World Bank.
The working-age population (15–64 years) has dropped to just 60%.
This demographic imbalance is putting heavy pressure on pension and healthcare systems, while many rural towns face depopulation.
Rural Decline and Abandoned Homes
Depopulation is leaving a visible mark on the landscape. Over the past two decades, almost four million homes have been abandoned, especially in smaller towns and villages, according to government data.
Immigration: A Slow Shift in Policy
While Japan’s overall population is shrinking, the number of foreign residents reached a record 3.6 million at the start of 2025, making up nearly 3% of the population.
The government has cautiously opened its doors to more foreign workers through:
A digital nomad visa
Upskilling programmes for overseas talent
However, immigration remains a politically sensitive subject in Japan’s traditionally conservative society.
Barriers to Higher Birth Rates
Japan has long struggled with low fertility rates — a trend dating back to the 1970s. Experts warn that even significant policy changes now would take decades to reverse the decline.
Key barriers include:
High cost of living and stagnant wages
Rigid work culture, leaving little time for family life
Entrenched gender roles that place childcare responsibilities mainly on women
Limited support for working mothers
What Lies Ahead?
Demographers warn that without a dramatic shift in social, cultural, and economic conditions, Japan’s population will continue to shrink. This could reshape everything from the country’s economy to its rural communities.
The government’s challenge is not only to encourage more births but also to adapt society to an era of fewer young people and more elderly citizens.
Sources:
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan
World Bank demographic data
Government of Japan official statements
For Health & Fitness Products, Click => http://tinyurl.com/5n872ptd