Japan sees record drop in population

In Japan, population data released on Monday showed declining trend for 14th straight year. As per the data of Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Japan’s population is down by around nine lakh from the previous year which is the largest drop ever recorded. It said that total population of the country, stood at around 12 crore 30 lakh as of 1st October, 2024. As per the data, among Japan’s 47 prefectures, 45 experienced population declines, with only Tokyo and Saitama showing increases. It said, people aged 75 and over rose to around 17 per cent of the total population. The working-age population (ages 15-64) dropped to 59.6 per cent of the total population, remaining below 60 per cent since 2018. Reflecting the population shrinkage, labour shortages are becoming more severe in the country.
The sharpest drop in Japanese nationals since comparable data became available in 1950 comes as the number of people aged at 14 and below dropped by 343,000 to 13.83 million, accounting for a record low of 11.2 percent of the total population. In contrast, the population of those aged 65 and over rose by 17,000 to 36.24 million, reaching a record high of 29.3 percent. The working-age population, or people between 15 and 64, fell 224,000 to 73.73 million, accounting for 59.6 percent, the estimate showed.
In contrast, the number of foreign residents has surged. Their population grew by over three lakh 50 thousand year-on-year to a record over 35 lakh. Earlier last week, the National Police Agency of Japan released new data revealing that a total of over 76 thousand people died alone in their homes in Japan last year, with more than 76 per cent aged 65 or older.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the Japanese government had been trying to offer help to young would-be parents who feel too economically constricted to have children."We understand that the declining birthrate is continuing because many people who wish to raise children are not able to fulfill their wishes," Hayashi said. The Japanese government is trying to raise wages for young people while also offering help with looking after children, he said. "We will promote comprehensive measures to realize a society where everyone who wishes to have children can have children and raise them with peace of mind," Hayashi added.