Japan's population has fallen by nearly 800,000 in 2022, with every one of its 47 prefectures recording a drop for the first time, according to data from the internal affairs ministry. The total number of Japanese citizens now stands at 122.42 million, marking the 14th consecutive year of decline.
Deaths hit a record high of over 1.56 million, while births fell below 800,000 for the first time since records began, at just 771,000. Even a record increase in foreign residents, up more than 10% to 2.99 million, could not offset the overall population slide.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has described the situation as a crisis, warning that Japan is 'on the cusp of whether it can maintain its societal functions.' Despite government pledges to double childcare spending to 4% of GDP, previous subsidies have had little impact on the birthrate.
The ageing population is affecting all aspects of society. Over half of municipalities are designated as depopulated, schools are closing, and more than 1.2 million small businesses have owners aged around 70 with no successor. Even the yakuza are ageing, with a majority over 50 and more members in their 70s than in their 20s.
However, around 300 small towns have successfully boosted births through generous payouts and child-friendly policies, though some of this may be due to migration from other areas. Japan is not alone in its demographic challenges, with South Korea having the world's lowest fertility rate at 0.78, and Taiwan at 1.24.
