Japan's population drops below 120 million for first time in 42 years

Japan recorded a population of 119.74 million, falling below the 120 million mark for the first time in 42 years and marking the 17th consecutive year of decline since its 2009 peak. The total fertility rate fell to 1.14, the lowest level in a decade, and births dropped to just over 670 000, the lowest since records began in 1899.

At the same time, the number of foreign residents rose 9.6 % to 4.03 million, bringing the combined population of Japan and its foreign residents to about 123.8 million. With a median age of 49.9 years, Japan now has the world’s second‑oldest population, creating growing labour shortages, higher social‑security costs and a shrinking tax base.