Japan's population has fallen below 120 million for the first time in more than 40 years, highlighting the country's worsening demographic challenges driven by a low birth rate and an ageing population.
According to data released by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the number of Japanese citizens living in the country stood at 119.74 million as of January 1, 2026, marking a 0.76 percent decline from the previous year.
The report shows that Japan's native population has been shrinking for 17 consecutive years since reaching its peak in 2009. However, the number of foreign residents has continued to rise, reaching a record high since official records began in 2013. Including foreign residents, Japan's total population now stands at 123.8 million.
With a median age of 49.9 years, Japan has the world's second-oldest population after Monaco, according to World Bank data.
Government figures also revealed that Japan's fertility rate dropped to a new record low of 1.14 children per woman in 2025, marking the tenth consecutive annual decline. Meanwhile, the number of babies born fell to just over 670,000, the lowest since records began in 1899.
The country's ageing population has contributed to labour shortages, rising social welfare costs, and a shrinking tax base, increasing pressure on policymakers to find long-term solutions.
In an effort to encourage marriage and boost birth rates, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has promoted its AI-powered matchmaking platform, TOKYO Enmusubi. Since its launch in September 2024, the service has attracted 16,000 registered members and helped 760 couples enter serious relationships as of June 2026.
Japanese officials hope such initiatives, alongside broader family-support policies, will help address the nation's long-term population decline.
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