TOKYO - Japan’s population of Japanese nationals has decreased for the 16th consecutive year, according to demographic data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. As of January 1st, 2025, the Japanese population stood at 120.65 million, a drop of roughly 910,000 from the previous year—marking the largest annual decline on record.
The number of births fell to an all-time low of around 690,000, while deaths reached a record high of approximately 1.6 million.
Despite the national trend, several areas experienced population growth.
In Kutchan, Hokkaido, where the population increased by 615 people, officials noted that while the number of Japanese residents is falling, the increase is largely due to foreign workers.
In Osaka City, which saw a rise of 21,275 residents, officials attributed the growth to a surge in foreign residents, though the exact cause remains unclear.
While Japan’s population continues to shrink at an accelerating pace, the broader question arises: what size population should the country aim for, and what kind of nation should it become? These are challenges the nation must address collectively.
Commenting on the issue, literary critic Kaho Miyake said, "We know declining birthrates are a problem, but there’s very little discussion on how to create a society where young people actually want to have children and feel supported in raising them."
One exceptional case stands out: a village that nearly doubled its population over the past 40 years.
Minamiminowa Village in Nagano Prefecture began branding itself as "Japan’s best village for raising children" around 2005, launching strong support measures for childrearing. As of January 1st, 2025, its population reached around 16,000, with 73.3% of residents being in-migrants.
Thanks to the high rate of newcomers, officials say the village has few of the social integration problems commonly seen elsewhere, such as difficulty building community ties, making it a comfortable place to live.
Yuki Hayashi, who relocated from Chigasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture, said, "I love the view from my window. With space between homes, it's a calming place to live."
Minamiminowa is the only village in Japan with a full suite of educational institutions, from preschool to university, providing what officials call a “one-stop” educational environment.
According to the village office, 55% of new residents moved from nearby areas, including Ina City. The lower land prices compared to neighboring towns, combined with improved access via the Chuo Expressway and the Ina Interchange, have made it possible to reach the Tokyo metropolitan area in about two and a half hours, and the Chukyo region in around two hours.
Historically an agricultural community, Minamiminowa also benefited from the establishment of the Ina Interchange Industrial Park around 1985, which brought new workers and residents to the village.
Word-of-mouth from satisfied residents is also believed to be a factor in attracting more people. As impressions of livability spread, more individuals are likely to consider relocating.
Miyake noted, "I know people living between Nagano and Tokyo. The climate is pleasant, and the access to Tokyo is good. That makes Nagano appealing not just for dual-location living but as a place to fully relocate."
While many municipalities offer one-time incentives of 1 or 2 million yen for people to move in, Minamiminowa has focused its efforts on continued investments in current residents, hoping to build long-term appeal. The village believes this steady support is more impactful than one-off handouts.
However, even Minamiminowa saw its first population decline in 14 years in 2024. Village officials believe the dip may be due to younger families holding off on home purchases amid rising prices.
Nationwide, Japan saw its population peak during the Showa era before beginning its long decline. Now, the country enters an era where new ideas and strategies will be essential to navigating life with a shrinking population.
Source: TBS
