New government figures reveal that Japan’s population has fallen in all 47 regions, marking a record drop. The number of Japanese nationals decreased by approximately 800,000 people, reaching 122.4 million in 2022, declining for the 14th consecutive year. The total population of Japan stands at 125.41 million, down by over half a million people from the previous year. However, the number of foreign residents with addresses registered in Japan experienced a significant increase of 10.7%, reaching nearly three million people. This surge represents the largest year-on-year rise since 2013, making foreign residents about 2.4% of Japan’s population.
The decline in the Japanese population is primarily attributed to a decreasing birth rate, with a record low of 771,801 births recorded last year. In response to this demographic challenge, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has made tackling declining births a top policy goal. He pledged to allocate approximately £19 billion over the next three years for a new childcare package to address the issue.
To accommodate the shrinking population, Japan has made a significant shift in its immigration policy. Kishida’s cabinet approved a plan to expand the scope of job categories allowed for foreign workers, paving the way for future permanent residency. Despite these efforts, experts argue that the government’s focus on funding may not be sufficient to address the root causes of the declining birth rate. Instead, there are calls for improving working conditions, raising salaries, and fostering a more inclusive Japanese society.
