Japan’s population has dropped below 120 million for the first time, with the number of Japanese citizens continuing its long-term decline while the foreign resident population reached a record high, according to data released by the Internal Affairs Ministry.


The data showed the number of Japanese nationals living in the country stood at 119,736,483 as of Jan. 1, down by 916,744 people, or 0.76%, from a year earlier, Caliber.Az reports, citing Japanese media.


It marked the 17th consecutive annual decline and the largest year-on-year drop since records began.


Meanwhile, the number of foreign residents rose by 353,696, or 9.62%, to a record 4,031,159, the highest level since the ministry began compiling such statistics in 2013.


Japan’s foreign population has continued to expand since 2023 following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, a record 720,988 people relocated to the country from overseas.


Among Japan’s 47 prefectures, Tokyo was the only major exception to the nationwide population decline, recording its third consecutive annual increase in Japanese residents. The capital added 12,540 Japanese citizens, or 0.09%, bringing the total to 13,293,851, equivalent to 11.1% of the country's Japanese population.


The remaining 46 prefectures all recorded declines. Akita experienced the steepest decrease at 1.95%, followed by Aomori and Kochi, each posting a 1.7% drop.


Japan’s demographic challenges were further highlighted by a record-low 670,467 births in 2025, compared with 1,593,475 deaths. The resulting natural population decline—measured as deaths exceeding births—reached 923,008.


None of Japan’s prefectures recorded a natural population increase during the year.


Seven prefectures registered positive net migration, meaning more people moved in than left. Tokyo posted the largest gain, attracting a net 66,661 residents.


Including both Japanese nationals and foreign residents, Japan’s total population fell by 563,048 people, or 0.45%, to 123,767,642.


The combined population of the Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya metropolitan areas declined for the sixth consecutive year to 65,979,272, although the three regions still account for more than half of Japan’s total population.


Overall population growth was recorded in only three prefectures. Tokyo’s total population increased by 75,019 people, or 0.54%, to 14,077,553. Osaka added 3,365 residents, bringing its population to 8,775,326, while Chiba gained 2,169 people, reaching 6,313,748.


By Bakhtiyar Abbasov