## Japan's Population Decline Continues
Japan's population has declined for the 13th consecutive year, falling by 595,000 to 124,352,000 as of October 1st, 2023. This ongoing trend is driven by a declining birthrate and a rapidly aging society.
The number of Japanese nationals decreased by 837,000, marking the largest drop since comparable data became available in 1950. This decline is primarily due to the aging population, with the number of people aged 75 or above exceeding 20 million for the first time.
Meanwhile, the population of children and young adults continues to shrink. The number of people aged 0 to 14 years old fell by 329,000, while those aged 15 to 64 dropped by 256,000. These declines highlight the challenges Japan faces in maintaining a productive workforce and supporting its growing elderly population.
In contrast to the overall decline, the foreign national population in Japan increased by 243,000. This rise is attributed to an increase in foreign workers and students residing in the country for more than 90 days.
Among Japan's 47 prefectures, only Tokyo experienced a population increase, marking the second consecutive year of growth for the capital city.
Looking ahead, projections suggest that single-person households will account for a significant portion of Japan's population in the future. By 2050, nearly half of all single-person households are expected to be comprised of individuals aged 65 or older. This trend underscores the need for enhanced support for elderly people, particularly in areas such as nursing care.
The ongoing population decline and aging society pose significant challenges for Japan. Addressing these issues will require comprehensive strategies to support families, promote immigration, and ensure adequate care for the elderly population.