Highlights
- Japan’s population experienced a record decline in 2022, according to government data.
- The country has been facing a persistent issue of low birthrates, particularly acute compared to other developed nations.
- Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed concern about the country’s ability to function as a society in the face of this demographic challenge.
- The number of Japanese citizens decreased by 800,523, or 0.65 percent, making it the steepest drop since 1968.
- Japan’s foreign population, however, increased by a record 10.7 percent, reaching 2,993,839, signaling the impact of immigration policies in addressing labor shortages.
- The government’s efforts to relax Covid-19 border controls coincided with the sharp increase in the foreign population.
- Japan’s strict immigration rules have been gradually loosened to address labor shortages in various sectors.
- The government emphasizes the importance of addressing the decline in population and children as it affects social, economic, and welfare issues in the country.
- Initiatives to encourage women and elderly individuals to enter the workforce are part of the government’s response to the demographic challenge.
- Prime Minister Kishida unveiled a $25 billion plan to support young people and families in an effort to boost the country’s plummeting birthrate.
Japan’s population continues to experience a worrying decline as the country struggles to combat its long-standing issue of low birthrates. Government data revealed that the nation’s population has fallen for the 14th consecutive year, raising significant concerns about the country’s future.
With a population of 125 million, Japan recorded a decrease of 800,523 people, marking a decline of 0.65 percent in 2022. The latest figures indicate the steepest drop in population since 1968, when official records began.
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Japan’s aging population has become a pressing concern, and the country now ranks second globally for having the oldest population, following only tiny Monaco. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida highlighted the urgency of the situation in January, warning that Japan was on the brink of facing significant challenges to its societal functioning.
In contrast to the declining native population, Japan’s foreign population saw a notable increase of 10.7 percent, reaching a record 2,993,839 in the same year. This surge in foreign residents comes as the government has gradually eased its strict immigration rules to address labor shortages in various sectors of the economy.
The increase in foreign population coincided with the government’s relaxation of border controls during the Covid-19 pandemic. Although Japan’s demographic challenges are deeply rooted, the country’s efforts to attract foreign talent through immigration policies are making an impact on its population dynamics.
Declining Population
Addressing the significance of the declining population and its implications, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno stated that it is a critical issue involving various social, economic, and welfare aspects of the country. The government is actively working on reforms to encourage more women and elderly individuals to enter the workforce, aiming to alleviate the impact of a shrinking labor force.
As the cost of elderly care continues to soar, Japan is striving to find sustainable solutions to bolster its birthrate and support young families. In response to this pressing issue, Prime Minister Kishida recently unveiled a $25 billion plan aimed at expanding support for young people and families, hoping to encourage population growth.
With the increasing challenge of an aging population, Japan’s demographic shifts have become a focal point of concern, compelling the government to take proactive measures to ensure a thriving and sustainable future for the nation.