Japan Faces Record Elderly Population Amid Declining Birth Rates

Japan's elderly now comprise 29.3% of the population as birth rates hit record lows, posing serious economic and social challenges.

Japan's elderly population has reached an all-time high of 36.25 million, making up 29.3% of the total population.
The number of centenarians in Japan has surpassed 95,000 for the first time, with women making up the majority.
Japan's birth rate continues to decline, with only 350,074 births recorded in the first half of 2024, the lowest since 1969.
The workforce participation of elderly individuals is increasing, with 9.14 million people aged 65 and older still employed.
Japan's overall population has been shrinking for 15 consecutive years, with projections indicating severe demographic challenges ahead.