Japan
Japan
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.51%
With a population of roughly 123 million, Japan ranks among the world’s 20 most populous countries. The country extends across 377,930 km², translating to a density of 326 people per km². Its capital is Tokyo, and Japanese is the official language, while the Japanese yen serves as the national currency.
Population
123,210,000
Area
377,930 km²
Density
326/km²
World Rank
#11
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. Deaths (13 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (6 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 29.8% aged 65 or above and 11.4% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Tokyo
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Eastern Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Japanese
- Currencies
- Japanese yen (¥)
- Calling Code
- +81
- Top-Level Domain
- .jp, .みんな
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+09:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 123,210,000
- Land Area
- 377,930 km²
- Population Density
- 326 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.51%
- Annual Growth
- -628,371 people
- Daily Growth
- -1,722 people
- World Population Share
- 1.52%
- Coordinates
- 36.00°, 138.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $32.5k, Japan sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 2.5%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 32.3 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
84.0 years
GDP per Capita
$32,487
Birth Rate
6.0 per 1,000
Death Rate
13.0 per 1,000
Urban Population
92.2%
Fertility Rate
1.20 births/woman
Infant Mortality
1.8 per 1,000
Unemployment
2.5%
Internet Users
87.0%
Under 15
11.4%
Over 65
29.8%
Health Spending
10.7% GDP
Gini Index
32.3
Age Distribution
0-14 years
14.1M
15-64 years
72.4M
65+ years
36.7M
Urbanization
Japan is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 92.2% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. Tokyo, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net inward migration of 140579.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
113.6M
92.2%
9.6M
7.8%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 84.0 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 1.8 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. Health expenditure accounts for about 10.7% of GDP, shaping the reach and quality of medical services available to the population.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Japan
Japan has 293 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Japan's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. With 29.8% of the population already over 65, the aging challenge is likely to deepen in the decades ahead. As a United Nations member state, Japan participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 123,210,000 |
| 2030 | 120,825,220 |
| 2035 | 118,126,811 |
| 2040 | 115,694,248 |
| 2045 | 113,484,913 |
| 2050 | 111,463,770 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Japan.
Largest Cities in Japan
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Japan by population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Japan?
The population of Japan is approximately 123.2 million as of 2026, making it #11 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Japan?
The capital of Japan is Tokyo.
What languages are spoken in Japan?
The main languages spoken in Japan are Japanese.
How big is Japan?
Japan covers an area of 377,930 km² with a population density of 326 people per km².
Is Japan growing or shrinking?
Japan's population is declining at a rate of -0.51% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Japan?
The average life expectancy in Japan is 84.0 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Japan?
The GDP per capita of Japan is $32,487.