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New Delhi. Japan is one of the leading countries in the world in the field of technology and invention. It is called the world leader in robotics, but the population crisis in Japan has deepened in the last few years. In the year 2024, the total population of the country decreased by more than 9 lakhs, which is the biggest annual decline so far. According to the latest government data, the population of Japan is now just 12 crores. If compared to India, it is less than half the population of Uttar Pradesh state (more than 24 crores).

Population is decreasing continuously for 16 years

Japan’s population reached a peak of 126.6 million in 2009, but has been falling continuously since then. There has not been a single year in the last 16 years when the population has increased. In 2024, a total of 6.87 lakh children were born, which is the lowest since 1968, while deaths were around 16 lakh. This is the biggest decline so far. 

Government efforts

The government has made several efforts to stop the falling population, such as subsidies on the birth of children, promotion of paternity leave, discounts on buying houses, but despite this the situation is not improving. According to experts, Japan’s continuously low birth rate and the proportion of elderly population (which is now 30% of the total population) are at the root of this crisis.

The working population is only 59%

The working age population (15 to 64 years) is now only 59%, while the global average is 65%. This is having a major impact on the country’s pension system, health infrastructure and economic output.

Government dependent on migrants

To curb this population crisis, Japan is now also leaning towards migration policy. The number of foreign nationals will increase by 10% to 3.6 million in 2024 – an all-time record. The government has introduced digital nomad visas and a new plan to train foreign workers.

According to government estimates, Japan’s population will decline by another 30% by 2070, although an increase in the number of immigrants may slow the pace of the decline.