Japan population falls below 124 million in record decline

Japan's population has fallen to just over 123 million in the largest five-year decline since records began, according to preliminary 2025 census data released by the Internal Affairs Ministry on Friday, marking the third consecutive drop since 2015.

Census records steepest population drop

The ministry said the population stood at 123,049,524 as of Oct. 1, 2025, down by more than 3 million people — or 2.5% — from the previous census conducted in 2020. The latest figures represent the third consecutive decline recorded by the national census, which has been conducted every five years since 1920.

Regional divides deepen

Only Tokyo and Okinawa reported population increases among Japan's 47 provinces, although growth slowed in both regions, the data showed. The remaining 45 provinces saw declines, with Hokkaido posting the largest decrease, according to NHK.

Household growth masks demographic shift

Despite the shrinking population, the number of households rose to a record 57.1 million while the average number of people per household fell from 2.26 to 2.15. Officials said the trend reflects a growing number of elderly people living alone, and the ministry is expected to release final census figures by September.