• Japan's population of nationals decreased by 908,574 in 2024, marking the 16th consecutive year of decline.
• The number of foreign residents reached a record high of 3.67 million, highlighting a trend toward increased immigration.
• Birth rates fell below 700,000 for the first time on record, contributing to demographic challenges.

The population of Japanese nationals fell by a staggering 908,574 in 2024, resulting in a total population of 120,653,227. This marks the largest decline since record-keeping began in 1968, according to SCMP and The Jakarta Post. The sharp drop has led to heightened concerns among policymakers who struggle to address long-standing issues related to low birth rates and regional depopulation.

The overall population, including foreign residents, decreased to approximately 124,330,690 as of January 1, 2025. This figure represents a total decline of about 554,000 from the previous year, as cited in reports from Channel News Asia and TRT Global. Concerns about the rising number of foreign residents have prompted some voters to support opposition parties promising to limit foreign immigration, a sentiment echoed during the recent elections.

In 2024, Japan recorded its lowest number of births—686,061—since records began in 1899, confirming a trend where deaths significantly outnumber births, as noted by BBC. The nation faced a mortality rate of nearly 1.6 million deaths, thus challenging the sustainability of its pension and healthcare systems amidst a fast-aging population.

Amidst the demographic crisis, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba labeled the situation a "quiet emergency" and has proposed family-friendly policies aimed at reversing the declining birth rate, including flexible working hours and subsidized childcare, according to Dawn and TRT Global. Yet, the efficacy of these measures remains under scrutiny given the enduring cultural and economic barriers hindering family formation in Japan.