Recent statistics from October 2023 reveal a concerning trend in Japan's population, with a decrease of 595 thousand people compared to the previous year, bringing the total population to 124 million 352 thousand, Ednews reports.

Data released by the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications highlights a persistent decline over the past 13 years.

Excluding foreigners residing within the country, Japan's population saw a significant drop of 837,000 individuals compared to the previous year, reaching 121,193,000 people. This marks the largest decline since records began in 1950.

While the elderly population aged over 65 increased to 36,227,000, with over 75 reaching 20.08 million, the younger demographic aged 0-14 decreased to 14,173,000. Notably, only Tokyo, the capital, experienced a population increase of 0.34 percent among Japan's 47 administrative regions.

Conversely, Aomori, Iwate, and Yamagata prefectures in the northeastern Tohoku region witnessed the most significant population loss. Additionally, the number of foreigners residing in Japan surged by 243 thousand, reaching a total of 3.16 million people.

The ongoing decline poses challenges for Japan's demographic landscape and underscores the need for strategic measures to address population aging and decline. Stay updated as authorities navigate these demographic shifts.