Japan's Population Decline Accelerates

Japan's population decline is accelerating, with the population of nearly a quarter of the country's municipalities falling by more than 10% between 2020 and 2025, according to an analysis of census data by Kyodo News.

The analysis found that 477 municipalities recorded population declines of more than 10%, up from 247 during the previous five-year period. Suzu City in Ishikawa Prefecture recorded the steepest decline at 34% following the powerful 2024 earthquake.

More than half of the municipalities in Iwate, Akita and Kochi prefectures also experienced sharp population losses, raising concerns over the sustainability of public services.

Kyodo News analyzed preliminary 2025 census data covering 1,892 municipalities, comparing it with the 2020 census.

Although 243 municipalities recorded population growth, experts warned that improving birth rates alone will not reverse the broader demographic trend.

Japan's Health Ministry said last year that the country's fertility rate fell for the ninth consecutive year in 2024 to a record low, underscoring the growing demographic challenges facing one of the world's oldest societies.