Shifting Demographics: Japan's Population Decline and Record Rise of Foreign Residents

photo:www.nippon.com

TOKYO - Japan is witnessing a historic demographic transformation, as the number of Japanese nationals declines at an unprecedented rate, while foreign residents soar to a record high of nearly 3 million, according to government data released on Wednesday.

The figures reveal a rapidly aging Japanese society and underscore the growing significance of foreign nationals in offsetting the country's shrinking population. The data, based on resident registration records as of January 1, 2023, revealed a 14th consecutive year of decline in the number of Japanese nationals, with around 800,000 fewer people, bringing the total to 122.42 million.

 

Remarkably, this marks the first time that the number of Japanese residents has declined across all 47 prefectures in the country. Meanwhile, the number of foreign nationals living in Japan has surged to a record 2.99 million, signifying a notable 10.7% increase from the previous year, the largest year-on-year rise since data tracking began a decade ago. To put it into perspective, as of January 1, 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, there were 2.87 million foreigners residing in Japan.

 

Consequently, Japan's total population has decreased to 125.42 million, a decline of approximately 511,000 individuals, setting a new record low. This continual decline has been attributed to Japan's persistently low birth rate, reaching its peak in 2008 and declining annually ever since.

 

To address this critical demographic challenge, the Japanese government is implementing various strategies, including enhancing female participation in the workforce. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno emphasized that the government will actively promote labor market reforms to maximize employment opportunities for women and older citizens, thereby ensuring a stable workforce.

 

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has made reversing the declining birth rate a top priority, despite the country's high levels of debt. His administration plans to allocate 3.5 trillion yen (approximately $25 billion) annually for child care and other support measures to assist parents in raising families.

 

Notably, a group of Tokyo-based public think tanks has asserted that Japan will require approximately four times as many foreign workers by 2040 to achieve the government's economic growth forecasts.

 

As for specific regions, Tokyo leads the pack with 581,112 foreign residents, constituting 4.2% of the capital's population.

 

The dynamic shift in Japan's population landscape is a profound and multifaceted phenomenon that demands innovative solutions to ensure the nation's continued economic prosperity and social well-being. The government's commitment to empowering women in the workforce and the increasing role of foreign residents in the country's demographic makeup signal a turning point in Japan's journey toward a sustainable and vibrant future.

Reuters

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