Japan’s Native Population Drops by Over 900,000 in 2024 Amid Birth Rate Crisis

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Japan experienced a record decline in its native population in 2024, with more than 900,000 fewer Japanese nationals recorded, according to new government data. The country continues to grapple with persistently low birth rates and an aging society.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported Wednesday that the Japanese population fell by 908,574, or 0.75 percent, to 120.65 million—the largest drop since data tracking began in 1968. This marks the 16th consecutive year of population decline.

In contrast, the number of foreign residents rose to 3.67 million, the highest since records began in 2013, now comprising nearly three percent of Japan’s total population of 124.3 million as of January 1, 2025.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has called the demographic trend a “quiet emergency” and has pledged reforms such as free childcare and flexible working policies to support families and encourage higher birth rates.

Despite these efforts, the country saw fewer than 700,000 births in 2024—a historic low since recordkeeping began in 1899—with just 686,061 newborns, 41,227 fewer than the previous year.

The shrinking population is heavily impacting rural regions, where nearly four million homes now stand abandoned. Many are owned by people living in cities who have inherited them but are unable or unwilling to maintain them.

The demographic imbalance is evident in the age structure: nearly 30 percent of Japanese nationals are 65 or older, while those aged 15 to 64 make up about 60 percent. Japan now has the world’s second-oldest population, behind Monaco.

Meanwhile, anti-immigrant rhetoric has been gaining traction, with a new opposition party pushing a “Japanese First” agenda and spreading false claims about foreign nationals receiving more welfare benefits than locals.

Nevertheless, foreign workers remain crucial in alleviating labor shortages, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and hospitality.

The growing elderly population is also driving up healthcare and welfare expenses, creating increasing financial strain on a shrinking workforce.

In December, Japan lost its oldest citizen, Tomiko Itooka, who died at 116.