Japan’s Population Falls 2.5% as Foreign Resident Numbers Reach Record High

September 30, 2026

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Summary

Japan’s total population fell 2.5 percent to 122.97 million in the 2025 national census. The number of Japanese residents declined 3.5 percent, while the foreign-resident population rose 39.8 percent to a record 3.84 million. Chinese nationals formed the largest foreign-resident group, followed by Vietnamese and South Korean and Korean residents. People aged 65 and over made up 29.4 percent of the population. Tokyo was the only prefecture to record population growth, although its increase was smaller than before. The figures show that Japan is becoming both older and more internationally diverse. Read the full article for context on what the results could mean for work, daily life and the future of Japan.

Japan’s total population declines to 122.97 million

Japan’s total population fell by 2.5 percent to 122,972,528 in the 2025 national census, according to final figures released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on the 29th. The result represents a decrease of 3,173,571 people compared with the previous census conducted in 2020.

The decline marks only the third negative population change since Japan began conducting its national census in 1920. It highlights the country’s continuing demographic transformation, shaped by long-term trends including a low birth rate, an aging population and changes in the size and composition of the workforce.

Japanese population continues to shrink

The number of Japanese nationals stood at 119,131,935, down 3.5 percent from the previous census. The rate of decline was greater than in 2020, indicating that the population contraction among Japanese residents is becoming more pronounced.

At the same time, the number of foreign residents reached a record 3,840,393, an increase of 39.8 percent over the previous census. Foreign residents now account for an increasingly important part of Japan’s communities, labor market and social landscape.

Chinese nationals remain the largest group

Among foreign residents, people from China made up the largest share at 24.0 percent. Vietnam followed at 15.9 percent, while residents recorded under the category of South Korea and Korea accounted for 10.4 percent.

The ranking has changed since the 2020 census. At that time, South Korea and Korea represented 15.8 percent of foreign residents, while Vietnam accounted for 13.9 percent. Vietnam’s larger share in the latest figures reflects the growing presence of Vietnamese workers, students and families in Japan.

An older population and a more concentrated population map

Women outnumbered men in the overall population, with 63,200,436 women compared with 59,772,092 men. The proportion of people aged 65 or older increased from 28.5 percent to 29.4 percent, confirming Japan’s position as one of the world’s most aged societies.

The aging trend has major implications for healthcare, pensions, regional services and the availability of workers. It also makes immigration and the successful integration of foreign residents increasingly important topics for Japan’s economy and local communities. For people from overseas considering work, study or long-term residence in Japan, these demographic changes may create opportunities in sectors facing labor shortages, while also increasing the importance of Japanese-language support and community integration.

Tokyo was the only prefecture to record population growth. However, its increase was smaller than in the previous census. Seven prefectures—Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Aichi, Shiga, Fukuoka and Okinawa—shifted from population growth to decline. The remaining 39 prefectures experienced larger decreases.

Okinawa had initially been reported as showing a slight increase in preliminary figures released at the end of May, but a review of the data found that its population had also declined. The final results underline the continuing concentration of people in and around the Tokyo metropolitan area, even as population growth in the capital itself slows.

What the figures mean for Japan

Japan’s latest census presents a complex picture rather than a simple story of decline. The overall population is shrinking, but the country is also becoming more internationally diverse. Foreign residents now play a growing role in businesses, schools, neighborhoods and local economies across Japan.

For policymakers, the challenge will be to respond to population aging and regional depopulation while ensuring that foreign residents can participate fully in Japanese society. The census is likely to intensify discussions about employment, housing, education, public services and the future of rural communities.