Japan ranks tenth in the world in terms of population. As of the end of 2017, 126,236 thousand people live in the Land of the Rising Sun. Since local authorities restrict migration, Japan remains a single-national country, 99% of the state's population is Japanese. Only about 60-70 thousand migrants come to Japan every year, most of whom come from Korea and China.
The population of Japan for 2018 is 127,207, 800 people (current as of 06/03/2018)
In Japan, there is a predominance of females over males. According to statistics, for every 100 women there are 95 men.
Since 2011, Japan has been experiencing a demographic crisis. With only 1.4 children for every Japanese adult, the country's population is gradually declining. Today, one of the main goals of the government's demographic policy is to bring the birth rate to 1.8 children per woman. However, this figure will also be less than the coefficient required for normal natural growth. In 2017, the number of Japanese residents decreased by more than 200,000 people compared to the previous year. According to experts, this trend will continue in the coming years. If the rate of population decline continues at the same rate, by 2065 the number of Japanese residents will decrease by about a third. At the same time, the life expectancy of the Japanese continues to be very high: 78.8 years for men and 85.6 years for women. Therefore, Japan is a rapidly aging country. According to 2017 statistics, only 13% of Japan's population are children and adolescents under 15 years of age. And almost a full quarter of Japanese citizens are over 64. This division by age group suggests that Japan has serious problems with population growth. A similar situation occurs in many developed countries; as a rule, it is solved at the expense of emigrants. So far, Japanese emigration policy has not allowed the population to increase in this way, but most likely, in the coming years, a number of laws regarding emigration to Japan will be revised.
Japan population density
The average population density in Japan is 334 people. per 1 sq. km, however, the country is unevenly populated. The majority of Japanese (about 103 million people) live on the island of Honshu, namely in its central part between Tokyo and Osaka. For comparison: the second most populous island of the Japanese archipelago, Hokkaido, is home to only 5.5 million people. And this despite the fact that Hokkaido is only half the size of Honshu. The other Japanese islands are even less populated. Every year, thousands of young people leave their hometowns and villages and move to big cities. Therefore, in some regions the population density can reach 5.5 thousand people per 1 sq. km, and in some areas per 1 sq. km there are only 70 people living there. Japan is different high level urbanization, there are 11 millionaire cities in total. The most populous of them are:
- Tokyo (13.7 million people);
- Yokohama (3.7 million people);
- Osaka (2.6 million people);
- Nagoya (2.2 million people);
- Sapporo (1.9 million people).
Japan is located in the Pacific Ocean, or more precisely, on the Japanese archipelago, which consists of 6852 islands. This is an economically developed state with a high standard of living and unique culture. Although economic and social sphere at altitude, the population of Japan is not experiencing best period according to growth rates.
However, this figure is decreasing every year: in 2018 alone it became less by 149,000 people. Forecasts for 2019 are also not encouraging: the countrymeters portal reports that natural increase will remain negative, the loss will be another 149,000. We need to figure out why such a developed state is experiencing difficulties with population growth.
Demographic situation
Demography studies the population, the patterns of its reproduction, distribution and composition. The fact is that Japan has low birth and death rates. CNN reports that the number of newborns fell to 921,000 in 2018, the lowest since 1899. Each woman gives birth to an average of 1.4 children, when with an increase in the population this figure is 2.1. The government intends to increase this number to 1.8. On the other side, mortality in Japan also low. Since the country has developed healthcare and education for citizens, the Japanese can boast of almost the highest standard of living among the most developed countries. The standard of living also affects average life expectancy , here the Japanese are ahead of countries such as Switzerland, Spain and Singapore (the world average is 71):
According to the census results at the beginning of 2019, 126,048,221 people live in Japan (current as of April 2019). This allowed the country to take 10th place among other countries in terms of the number of citizens.
average life expectancy
- men – 79 years old
- women – 85.7 years
This means that Japan is an aging nation. The percentage of residents of retirement age is increasing (22.9%), and fewer and fewer are children and adolescents (only 13.1%). The remaining 64% of residents are of working age.
In Japanese society, a large. To provide for disabled people, it is necessary that able-bodied residents produce one and a half times more services and goods than they need themselves.
Male to female ratio is:
- 0-24 – 105 men per 100 women
- 25-69 – 101 to 100 respectively
- 70+ – 69 to 100
Emigration policy of the Japanese government
Developed countries like the USA, Germany and Canada have found a solution to the problem of the aging population by revising their emigration policy. Unfortunately, the Japanese do not consider this option - 99% are indigenous people. These people care about preserving ancient traditions and culture, keeping the crime rate low, and preventing crimes by citizens. Most foreigners are not familiar with the culture and customs, so they do not take root here.
The majority of Japanese immigrants are Korean (0.5%) and Chinese (0.4%).
Japan population, density
Density determines how many people live in one square kilometer of territory. According to the UN Department of Statistics, the country has an average population of 333 people per square kilometer. Despite the fact that the country is considered densely populated, some areas are not densely populated - only 70 people. The number of urban residents and those who inhabit coastal areas is about 500 people, and some regions number even 5.5 thousand.
Every year, thousands of young Japanese decide to move to cities, increasing the level of urbanization. There are 11 million-plus cities in the country, the most populated are:
- Tokyo - 13.7 million
- Osaka – 2.6 million
- Nagoya – 2.2 million
Demographic Projections for the Japanese
According to the National Institute of Research's Japan Population Projections: 2016 to 2065, the country will have 88.1 million people in 2065—almost two-thirds the number today. Japan's population will continue to age rapidly, with more than 25.5 percent of the population being 75 years of age or older. It is estimated that 547,000 will reach the age of 100 - ten times more than in 2015.
Optimists argue that the situation in the land of the rising sun will return to the same number of inhabitants as 65 years ago. But the situation with the aging population is significantly different. Japan is already becoming a shrinking society. The main reason is the natural decrease, that is, the difference between birth rates and deaths. Also, Japanese women began to get married only at the age of 30, which affects the birth of children. Although the government is trying to support young families, this is not easy, because a significant part of the budget is allocated to older people.
Video about the population of Japan
Japan population size and density
According to the UN, the population of Japan in 2016 is $127.1 million. The country is dominated by the female population, which accounts for $51.3\%$, the share of the male population is $48.7\%$. The country's population has remained virtually unchanged for the last 10 years, which is explained by a decline in the birth rate and low mortality. Relatively recently, the country was characterized by a high birth rate and high natural increase. In the $50s, the birth rate dropped sharply, and the country has now moved to the first type of population reproduction with high life expectancy. The economically active population accounts for $50\%$ of the total number, $13\%$ of the population is employed in industry, $20\%$ - in agriculture and $40\%$ of Japanese work in the non-production sector. The level of qualification of the country's labor resources is very high.
Japan is in $7$ place in terms of population, behind China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, the USA, and Russia. A slight increase in numbers is due to immigrants, but foreigners are not welcome in the country due to violation of existing laws and regulations, as well as ignorance of Japanese culture. Other nationalities are represented in fractions of a percent, but even among them the largest group are Koreans and Chinese. Americans and representatives are not considered permanent residents European countries, of which there are up to $40$ thousand in Japan. The aborigines of the Japanese islands include the Ainu, who settled in the 11th century on the island of Hokkaido.
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Today there are about $20,000 of them. The Ainu, ousted by the Japanese in the $19th century, lost their best lands, but the older generation still retains its language and culture. Despite the fact that other nationalities live in Japan, the country is one-national and $99\%$ of the population are Japanese.
The population is unevenly distributed throughout the country, although it is a densely populated country. The average density is more than $300$ per person. per sq km The coastal regions of the country have a high density, more than $500$ per person. per sq. km, and in the north of Hokkaido the density is only $70$ per person. per sq km Most of the Japanese - $80\%$ - live in cities, so the level of urbanization is very high. There are $11 million-plus cities in the country. Only in one metropolitan agglomeration Keihin$30 million people live there. Agglomerations located on the Pacific coast are merging into one megalopolis Tokaido. The length of this megalopolis is $600$ km with a population of $65$ million people. The country is experiencing a difficult demographic situation. Average age Japanese $44.6$ year. Children and teenagers make up only $13\%$, pensioners $28\%$, people of working age – $64\%$.
Note 1
Experts make a forecast for $2050$ a year and come to the conclusion that the population will decrease to $97$ million people. Extramarital relationships are not welcomed in the country, and young people do not seek marriage. It can be assumed that Japan's population will change little over the next decade.
National characteristics of the Japanese
Japan is often called the “Land of the Rising Sun”. But, at the same time, it is also the birthplace of samurai, geisha, cherry blossoms and martial arts. Japanese psychology differs from the psychology of other nations and compared to other nations they have a high life expectancy, a low number of violent crimes, preserved centuries-old traditions with the highest technological and economic development. It is the only state in the world with a formal title Empire. It is possible that all the achievements of modern Japan are associated with the national characteristics of the Japanese.
The most striking national features of the Japanese include:
Big hard work which often turns into workaholism. The Japanese are very dedicated to their work and the company they work for. The company is their home, so it’s common to stay at work until late at night. Putting their whole soul into any task, the Japanese “burn out” at work emotionally and physically.
Contemplation of beauty. Admiring the beauty of nature or man-made beauty, while receiving aesthetic pleasure, is an integral part of the Japanese psychology. The cherry blossoms, the beauty of the setting sun, and Mount Fuji give them moral pleasure and satisfaction. The love for beauty gave rise to such areas of Japanese art as ikebana, bonsai, and the tea ceremony.
Loyalty to traditions. Conservative Japanese are in no hurry to adopt the morals and values of other peoples. Continuity of generations is important for them great importance, and hence great respect for the cultural heritage of their country.
Curiosity and inquisitiveness helped the Japanese people achieve primacy in the field of technology development. Everything new makes them want to study it thoroughly and transform it to suit themselves. They know how to take useful things from other cultures, without losing their ethnic identity.
Characteristic of the Japanese mentality collectivism. Throughout their lives they are attached to different social groups. This could be their own family, the team of the company where they work, the party, etc. Every Japanese clearly knows their place in the hierarchy and is always ready to submit to their superiors; they are characterized by humility and obedience, so the authority of a father, boss, teacher, policeman is simply undeniable. The basis of strict Japanese etiquette and politeness is precisely collectivism, and hence the desire to make life in a team as comfortable as possible.
There are 3 “politeness styles” in Japanese:
- Conversational style. It is usually used when talking to younger family members;
- Neutral polite style characteristic in conversations with strangers and peers;
- Very polite style- Keigo. The style is used with the elderly and seniors in society by position.
The national characteristics of the Japanese were formed under the influence of the country's traditional religions - Shintoism and Buddhism. Religious teachings, their values and precepts are part of the worldview of the Japanese people. The virtues of Buddhism are restraint, patience, self-control, and the Japanese strive to develop these character traits.
In their life rules, the Japanese also adhere to Buddhist philosophy:
- The desire to comply with the laws of the country and the rules prescribed in society;
- Do not rebel, but come to terms with the situation and unpleasant circumstances;
- Restrictions on entertainment and the desire to work more for the good of the nation;
- For personal troubles, you have only yourself to blame.
Parenting
Note 2
The Japanese system of raising children is very interesting and is sometimes referred to as the famous Japanese politeness, which manifests itself right from infancy. Japanese children never seem to cry; foreigners are amazed. The reason lies elsewhere. Babies begin to cry when they want to eat or drink, sleep, experience any inconvenience, or are left unattended. Avoiding all this is part of Japanese education in infancy. During the first two years, the baby is attached to the mother and is part of her, he is with her all day, the child is next to the mother at night, and receives the breast as soon as he wishes. They don't let go of the baby even when he starts walking.
The child’s impulses are not limited and no attempt is made to accustom him to some kind of routine. From infancy, a child hears warnings from relatives: “dangerous,” “dirty,” “bad.” Thus, these warnings enter his consciousness as unequivocal. The child is not pampered at all, as it might seem at first glance; he is simply not given a reason to cry. Boys are usually not prohibited from doing anything and do not react to children’s bad behavior. Threat of alienation- one of the techniques of Japanese education. Everyone will turn away from you or laugh at you if your behavior is inappropriate - this is how parents teach their children. Such a teaching causes fear of being separated from relatives, of being ridiculed or humiliated, and from the very beginning early age gets into the child's soul.
Children meet the first restrictions in school age. Educated prudence, the child is taught to beware of situations in which one can “lose face”, both one’s own and other people’s. A period begins when the child learns to suppress his impulses. Accessible children's pampering and free expression of their impulses are no longer appropriate. The child sees a kind of evil in them. Be that as it may, the complete freedom of early childhood leaves an unforgettable mark on the character little man. A feeling of shame unknown in childhood and memories of carefree days give rise to a new outlook on life in which there is restrictions and relaxations. The Japanese are very demanding of themselves and others in matters of duty and are lenient towards human weaknesses. Virtue for the Japanese is willpower, the ability, for the sake of higher duty, to turn away from pleasures that are not considered evil.
Japanese - amazing people with an unusual worldview and a rich inner world. The population is unlucky with geographical location countries and sometimes unbearable natural conditions, but difficulties only made them stronger and more resourceful. The Japanese people never tire of surprising the world with their colorfulness and a touch of madness. For a European, the Japanese will forever remain a mystery and mystery. You will never cease to be amazed at their oddities. Who are they, these inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun? Let's try to figure it out together.
National composition of the country
The majority of the population of Japan is a monocultural and homogeneous group of purebred Japanese. Only 1% of the state's residents (1.56 million) are representatives of the Korean diaspora and workers from Asia. As for Americans and Europeans, they live in Japan, but on a non-permanent basis.
A small part of the Ryukyus and Ainu aborigines live on the islands. There is also a separate community of Burakumin, which differs from Japanese society in cultural and everyday characteristics.
Residents communicate mainly in Japanese; they additionally study English in schools. It’s interesting that locals consider their native speech very difficult, so they respect a foreigner who knows at least.
Japan population size and density
The state ranks 7th in terms of population after China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, the USA and Russia. According to UN estimates, at the beginning of this year the population of Japan was more than 126.5 million people. Of these, 48.7% are male, 51.3% are female. More than 31 thousand are migrants. Over the past year, 1,269,374 people died, 1,050,211 were born. Statistics showed that the annual increase decreased by 0.12%. Over the past ten years, the population has remained virtually unchanged. The reason for this phenomenon is explained by the decline in the birth rate and low mortality of residents.
But thanks to immigrants, the number of people has increased slightly, although foreigners are not well received by locals due to lack of knowledge of Japanese culture and violation of current laws and regulations.
Japan is a fairly densely populated country. The average population density is 334 people/km2. But in the north of Hokkaido there are less than 70 people/km2, and in the coastal areas there are more than 500 people/km2.
The level of urbanization is impressive: 80% of residents live in cities. There are 655 large cities in Japan, 11 of which have a population of more than a million.
Most people are employed in the service sector, only 13% work in industry and 20% in the agricultural sector. Labor resources are characterized by a fairly high level of qualifications. The Japanese don’t know how to rest at all; they work on weekends and holidays, doing everything a lot and with high quality. I wonder: would such an approach to work be effective for the economies of European countries? It's a secret for now.
Difficult demographic situation
In the recent past, the natural increase in population was very high, but within a few years, as a result of political reforms aimed at reducing the birth rate, Japan's population declined sharply. Due to improved living conditions and a noticeable leap in the development of medicine, the mortality rate has dropped significantly. There are only three deaths per 1,000 newborns. This is a good indicator.
The average age of residents is 44.6 years. The average life expectancy for men is 77 years, for women – 85 years. Simply incredible numbers! But in the country there are only 13% of children and adolescents, 64% of people from 15 to 65 years old and 28% of old people. That is, the pension burden ratio is as much as 35.7%. The question arises: why do young families fail to fully reproduce themselves? At this rate, Japan's population is projected to decline to 97 million by 2050. It is unlikely that the Japanese authorities will allow such a situation. But with the current outlook on life, politicians are forced to work hard to stimulate population growth.
Taking a look at Japanese demographic changes, I would like to conclude that modern Japanese women often have no time to give birth. She needs more years to get married, as a result of which she gets married late. In addition, there are also financial obstacles, such as the high cost of raising children. Many young girls and boys have recently decided not to get married at all. And such a decision is followed by a refusal to bear children, since the Japanese do not welcome extramarital relationships.
Indeed, the working population preferred a career to marriage. In Japanese society, it is quite difficult to combine work and raising children. Interesting fact that both sexes doubt family and marital values. 61% unmarried men and 49.5% unmarried women aged 18 to 35 years did not have a sexual partner. Most didn't even want that. Perhaps, with this view, the population of Japan will not increase soon.
Local authorities are concerned about the state of demography in the country, because after some time, if everything develops at the current pace, the workforce will be greatly reduced.
Religious life of the Japanese
In Japan, there are different religious movements that have developed over many centuries. The main movements are Shintoism, Indian Buddhism and Christianity. Since the beginning of the 19th century, new Japanese sects have appeared on the basis of folk beliefs and rituals.
There are more than 200 thousand religious institutions and organizations in the country. The number of believers is statistically twice as large as the population of Japan. There is an explanation for this. Many residents of the Land of the Rising Sun are immediate adherents, the existence of which precludes the slightest aggression towards humans. All beliefs are characterized by forbearance, love of neighbor, respect for family and ancestors, respect for nature, close interaction between man and God, purification, and the unity of religious rituals with everyday life.
Secrets of Japanese longevity
Japan's population owes its high life expectancy to proper diet nutrition and a developed healthcare system.
The Japanese menu includes grains, soy and seafood. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, the main ingredient is, of course, rice. And its combination with fish wrapped in seaweed is a delicacy known throughout the world called sushi.
Fruits in the Land of the Rising Sun are very expensive: for two dollars you can buy just one apple or apricot. But, nevertheless, they are eaten in more and exclusively fresh.
Also, Japanese people love greens and vegetables, especially eggplant, spinach, bamboo shoots, and broccoli. They eat food only in season.
It may seem that the variety of food in Japan is very poor, but in a week a Japanese family eats about 50 different dishes, when like European - only 30.
The Japanese, in addition to everything said above, move a lot and do physical exercises. Naturally, the result was not long in coming. Only three out of a hundred people in Japan are overweight. For comparison: in America, as much as 34% of the population suffers from this disease.
This is the whole secret of the longevity of the Japanese. By following these principles, we can boast of good health.
Unusual Japanese traditions
The population of Japan observes a huge number. The life of the Japanese is literally permeated with a network of customs and ceremonies, this is especially visible in communication between people.
The Japanese do not greet with a handshake, but with a slight bow, the depth and duration of which should correspond to the social status of the person they meet. When talking, residents of the Land of the Rising Sun begin their speech with an apology, as if for wasting the interlocutor’s time. And they always smile.
The Japanese always take a bath before going out; in general, they are obsessed with personal hygiene. They even wear special slippers to the toilet so as not to spread dirt around the house.
Even in Japan there is a cult of food. They can talk about food for hours, while smacking their lips deliciously. It is considered ignorant not to tell the hostess “It’s very tasty.” And the best souvenir, perhaps, will be a new tasty treat.
It’s interesting, but for the Japanese, tipping is perceived as an obscene gesture. After all, by paying the set price for the service, the visitor remains on an equal footing with the workers of the establishment. Otherwise, he will show his superiority, which amounts to an insult.
It is unacceptable to enter the house with shoes on. There is a special place for street shoes, where stepping on your toe is tantamount to disaster - because it’s dirty there.
In general, Japan is a country of naive, sympathetic and very smart people. Many of their actions on the part of a European defy common sense, but thanks to such actions, the population of Japan will always maintain great interest in them.
The Japanese are quite sociable, but you also need to be able to carry on a conversation competently. To do this, take our main course “” and speak Japanese!
What interesting or funny facts do you know about the Japanese? Perhaps you have noticed something in your communication with the residents of the Land of the Rising Sun? Please share.
