Japan's Population Drops Below 120 Million for First Time Since 1983

Japan's resident population fell to 119.74 million as of January 1, marking the first time it has dipped below 120 million in 42 years. This represents a decline of 0.76 percent compared to the previous year. The drop highlights Japan's ongoing demographic challenge of a shrinking population. The country has long struggled with a combination of a low birth rate and limited immigration, contributing to sustained population decline.