July 25, 2024, Tokyo
Japan’s population shrank by 0.7% in 2023. The net loss was 861,237 people, but there was a record high inflow of 329,535 foreign nationals. As of January 1, 2024, the total population was 121,561,801. The annual shrinkage was the greatest since 1968.
The population decreased in Tokyo, Kansai, and Nagoya, except for the city of Tokyo, which saw a slight increase. Tokyo’s population grew due to people moving to the capital from other parts of Japan.
The number of foreign nationals in Japan increased by 329,535 to 3,323,374. This is the highest since such data was available in 2013. Japan’s population peaked in 2009 and has declined for 15 consecutive years. The declining birthrate continues to accelerate, with 729,367 births in the past year, down 42,434 from the previous year, and the lowest on record.
There were a record number of deaths, 1,579,727, up 14,602 from the previous year. The rate of natural increase was negative 850,360. The number of people aged between 15 and 64 decreased by 521,056 to 71,741,119. This figure is only slightly over double the number of people aged 65 and upward. The number of elderly was 3,571,738, up 26,355 from the previous year, making 29.38% of Japan’s population elderly.
Tokyo was the only area where the population increased, by 3,933 people or 0.03%. This was due to people moving to Tokyo from other parts of Japan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tokyo’s inflow slowed but is now accelerating again.
The Tokyo metropolitan area, including Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa, declined by 0.19%, the third consecutive year of decline. The Kansai metropolitan area saw a 0.63% decrease, and Nagoya saw a 0.71% decrease.
Akita lost the most people, down 1.83%. Aomori saw a 1.72% decrease, and Iwate saw a 1.61% decrease. Taito Ward in Tokyo had the highest population growth in 2023. Taito is known for its tourism attractions, like Asakusa. Recently, it has seen redevelopment with new high-rise condominiums around Ueno Station. Real estate prices in Taito are lower than in nearby wards, making it attractive to young families.
Minato Ward had the second highest population growth, with a 1.14% increase. Chuo Ward had a 1.04% increase. Both wards have seen the construction of expensive condominiums, attracting affluent buyers.
Akaigawa village in Hokkaido had the highest rate of population growth, up 22.33%, partly due to foreign nationals. Hotels in Akaigawa hired over 200 foreign employees during the winter season. However, this seasonal growth does not solve the long-term population decline.