Ishikawa Prefecture population falls below 1.08 million for first time in nearly 50 years

Ishikawa Prefecture's population fell below 1.08 million as of September 1, marking the first time the figure has been this low in nearly 50 years. According to recent estimates based on the 2025 census, the population stood at 1,078,686, a decrease of 709 people from the previous month.

The decline is particularly pronounced in the six municipalities north of Nanao that were heavily impacted by the Noto Peninsula earthquake. In these areas, the population decreased by 272 people, reaching 101,521. Data shows that in the 28 months since the start of 2024, these six municipalities experienced a net outflow of 8,512 people.

Across the prefecture, 17 municipalities reported population decreases, with Kanazawa seeing the largest drop of 163 people. Only two municipalities, Shibata and Kahoku, reported increases.