The population of Japan shrank by 0.75% in 2024, marking a record high since records began in 1968, according to official data.

The decline amounted to 908,574 people, the largest population drop since records began in 1968.

Why is Japan's population declining?

This is the 16th straight year in which the Japanese population has shrunk, reducing it to 120.65 million people down from a peak of 126.6 million in 2009, according to the Internal Affairs Ministry.

Japanese nationals aged 65 or over made up 30% of the country's population, while 60% of Japanese nationals were between 15 and 64.

Although many more economically developed countries have aging populations, Japan has the second-oldest, after the tiny state of Monaco, according to the World Bank.

Japan also saw births fall below 700,000 for the first time on record, according to Health Ministry data released back in June.

Some 686,061 newborns were recorded in 2024, the lowest number since records began in 1899.

How many foreigners are living in Japan?

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called the figures a "quiet emergency," promising more government measures to try and counter the trend.

According to NHK, Tokyo is the most populous city in Japan with 14 million residents. The population has continued to grow in the capital city and Chiba Prefecture.

The number of foreign nationals in Japan, however, was 3.67 million people as of January 1, 2025, making it the highest number since records began in 2013.

Why are Japanese voters turning toward an anti-immigrant party?

The Japanese government has been struggling to raise the country's low birth rate.

Aging populations can put a strain on the economy as more people draw on retirement funds with fewer younger working generations feeding into the public coffers.

However, a new anti-immigration party has been appealing to voters by placing the blame for Japan's economic problems on foreigners living in the country.

The party saw a surge in support in last month's parliamentary election that resulted in the coalition government losing its majority.

Countries with aging populations are often reliant on migrant labor to make up for labor shortages caused by their declining populations.

Edited by: Rana Taha