Japan’s total population declined for the 15th straight year in 2023, dropping by more than a half-million people as the population ages and births remain low.
Births in Japan hit a record low of 730,000 last year. The 1.58 million deaths last year were also a record high. Japan’s population was 124.9 million as of Jan. 1.
The data released Wednesday by Japan’s Internal Affairs Ministry also showed that the 11% increase in foreign residents helped their population surpass 3 million for the first time. They now make up nearly 3% of the total population and are mostly of working age from 15 to 64.
Surveys show that younger Japanese are increasingly reluctant to marry or have children, discouraged by bleak job prospects, the high cost of living — which rises at a faster pace than salaries — and a gender-biased corporate culture that adds a burden only on women and working mothers.
If you’re referring to the US or most other Western countries, they have an advantage that Japan and South Korea don’t have… immigration from a diverse set of countries. Best way to counterbalance declining birth rates.
you’re right, immigration prevents Europe and North America to become the South Korea of today, but birth rates are declining in Latin America, Africa, etc, so eventually will be a global issue (btw, the down vote you got didn’t come from me)