Japan’s total population has shrunk by around 3.1 million, or 2.5 percent, since the last census in 2020, according to preliminary data from 2025 released by the internal affairs ministry on May 29.

The nation’s total population came to 123.05 million as the twin problems of a falling birthrate and aging society continue to accelerate decline.

Preliminary figures indicate Tokyo and Okinawa were the only prefectures to see growth in the census conducted last October. The remaining 45 prefectures saw their populations shrink.

🇯🇵🎎 Japan's population is shrinking.🗾 New data shows the country's population dropped by almost a million people last year, the biggest annual drop on record. It's the 16th consecutive year the number

This was a reversal for Chiba, Kanagawa, Aichi and Shiga prefectures that had previously experienced an increase in residents in the 2020 census.

In terms of sheer numbers, Hokkaido saw the largest drop at 239,000, followed by Shizuoka at 164,000 and Hyogo at 141,000. Akita Prefecture registered the highest rate of decline at 8.1 percent.

Tokyo remained the most populous prefecture with 14.25 million people, accounting for 11.6 percent of the nation’s total population. Tottori Prefecture had the fewest residents at 524,000.

TIL:Japan's population has decreased by more than 4 million people from its peak (2010:128.06million > 2024: 123.99 million) : r/todayilearned

The greater Tokyo area, which comprises the capital and neighboring Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama prefectures, accounted for a 30.1 percent chunk of the national total. The region’s growth came to 71,000 over the past five years.

Japan's population declined by a record 3.1 million people between 2020 and 2025, falling to 123 million as the country faces ongoing challenges from an ageing population and a declining birth rate.

Ninety percent, or 1,558, of the country’s 1,719 municipalities experienced population decline.

Globally, Japan’s population ranking slipped to 12th from 11th in the previous survey.