In 2023, people aged 65 years and older in Japan accounted for approximately **** percent of the total Japanese population. Due to a low birth rate and high longevity, people aged 65 years and older were estimated to make up almost ** percent of the population in Japan by 2070.

Over the last decade, Japan’s population has aged more and more, to the point where more than a quarter of Japanese were 65 years and older in 2022. Population growth has stopped and even reversed, since it’s been in the red for several years now.

It’s getting old

With almost 30 percent of its population being elderly inhabitants, Japan is considered the “oldest” country in the world today. Japan boasts a high life expectancy, in fact, the Japanese tend to live longer than the average human worldwide. The increase of the aging population is accompanied by a decrease of the total population caused by a sinking birth rate. Japan’s fertility rate has been below the replacement rate for many decades now, mostly due to economic uncertainty and thus a decreasing number of marriages.

Are the Japanese invincible?

There is no real mystery surrounding the ripe old age of so many Japanese. Their high average age is very likely due to high healthcare standards, nutrition, and an overall high standard of living – all of which could be adopted by other industrial nations as well. But with high age comes less capacity, and Japan’s future enemy might not be an early death, but rather a struggling social network.

Japan JP: Population: as % of Total: Female: Aged 65 and Above data was reported at 29.934 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 29.446 % for 2016. Japan JP: Population: as % of Total: Female: Aged 65 and Above data is updated yearly, averaging 13.229 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 29.934 % in 2017 and a record low of 6.270 % in 1960. Japan JP: Population: as % of Total: Female: Aged 65 and Above data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Female population 65 years of age or older as a percentage of the total female population. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age/sex distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Weighted average; Relevance to gender indicator: Knowing how many girls, adolescents and women there are in a population helps a country in determining its provision of services.

This paper explores how Japan’s aging population impacts the politics of monetary policy. Previous research suggest that the elderly have a variety of distinct policy preferences. Given that elderly voters also have higher voting rates, the rapid greying of the population could have significant effects on distributive struggles over economic policy across much of the developed world. In Japan, aging is advancing rapidly, and the central bank has engaged in massive monetary stimulus to induce inflation, which existing work suggests the elderly should oppose. Analyzing results from three surveys, this paper has three central findings: (1) the elderly tend to have higher inflation aversion, (2) the elderly display some opposition to quantitative easing (QE), and (3) despite such policy preferences, the concentration of elderly in electoral districts has no significant effect on the preferences either of legislative incumbents or candidates. The third finding is attributable to the fact that elderly opposition to quantitative easing is moderated by their partisan identification. Elderly Liberal Democratic Party voters have systematically lower opposition to quantitative easing, likely reflecting that these voters have aligned their preferences with the LDP’s policies.

Japan’s ongoing struggle with rapid ageing is well known. Fertility and migration policies have both been proposed as solutions to Japan’s ageing population. We used stock flow population models to estimate the impact of hypothetical fertility and migration policy interventions on measures of aging in Japan from 2015 to 2050. We evaluated policy models based on the Old Age Dependency Ratio (OADR) they produced at the specified end date. Start dates ranged from 2020 to 2030 to assess the time horizons of individual policies. Fertility policies were found to be highly time dependent and only slowed the rate of increase of OADR. It would require a Total Fertility Rate far above replacement levels to compensate for Japan’s already aged demography. Migration policy was less time dependent. However, such measures would require unprecedented, and ultimately unrealistic, volumes of migration over coming decades in order to reduce Japan’s OADR. Our results suggest that fertility and migration based policy responses will be unable to significantly reduce Japan’s OADR or reverse Japan’s ageing population within the next few decades. Japan should focus on activating its human capital through the prolongation of working lives, increasing participation, and improving productivity within the Japanese labour force to mitigate and adapt to the inevitable effects of ageing populations.

Approximately 36.5 million people in Japan were estimated to be within the age group 65 and over in 2024. This number was projected to increase until 2040 and then decline to about 20.1 million by 2120.

In 2023, the total population in Japan slightly decreased to just below 125 million people compared to the previous year, with the female population reaching around 63.9 million, as compared to 60.5 million men. The oldest population in the world  Japanese society is facing severe demographic problems such as decreasing birthrates, remaining under one million births annually recently, and a thereby aging population. The country’s average age lies at around 48 years, making its population the oldest in the world. Elderly people aged 65 years and older accounted for about 29 percent of the population in 2023. According to a forecast, the age group 65 years and older would make up approximately 39 percent of the Japanese population by 2070. Challenges with the demographic shift The rapid aging of the society poses significant economic and sociopolitical challenges to the country, as the workforce will continue to shrink while increasingly more elderly will receive long-term support. Currently, close to seven million Japanese require long-term care, leading to national benefit expenses of over 14 trillion yen annually, including in-home and community-based services.

Replication Data for: Deservingness Heuristics and Policy Attitudes Toward the Elderly in an Aging Society: Evidence from Japan

Elder Care Robotics Market Outlook

The Elder Care Robotics market is experiencing robust growth, with a market size valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 9.2 billion by 2032, reflecting a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.4% over the forecast period. Key growth factors driving this market include the increasing aging population worldwide, advancements in robotics technology, and the growing need for efficient healthcare solutions to support elderly care. The convergence of technology and healthcare is enabling innovative solutions that are reshaping how elder care is delivered, making the market for elder care robotics expansive and dynamic.

One of the primary growth factors propelling the elder care robotics market is the demographic shift towards an aging population. With life expectancy rising globally, there is an increasing number of elderly individuals who require care and assistance. This demographic trend is particularly pronounced in countries like Japan, the United States, and several European nations. The demand for elder care solutions that can provide support while maintaining the dignity and independence of the elderly is consequently on the rise. Robotics offers an effective solution by providing assistive technologies that can help elderly individuals perform daily tasks, monitor their health, and ensure safety, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and caregivers.

The technological advancement in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) is another significant growth catalyst in this market. The integration of AI and machine learning in robotic systems enhances their capability to perform complex tasks, learn from interactions, and adapt to the needs of elderly users. These technologies enable robots to offer personalized care, engage in social interactions, and provide critical health monitoring, making them indispensable tools in modern elder care. Continuous research and development in this sector are leading to the creation of more sophisticated, cost-effective, and user-friendly robotic solutions that cater specifically to the elderly, further fueling market growth.

Moreover, the societal trend towards independent living and in-home care is significantly influencing this market. Many elderly individuals prefer to stay in their homes rather than move to assisted living facilities, a preference that has been supported by advancements in elder care technologies. Elder care robots provide the necessary assistance that allows seniors to live independently with dignity and comfort. These robots can assist with routine activities, provide companionship, and perform health assessments, thereby enhancing the quality of life for seniors. This preference for in-home care is driving demand for elder care robotics, as families and care facilities look for innovative solutions to meet the needs of aging populations.

Regionally, the North American market is a leading adopter of elder care robotics, driven by high healthcare expenditure, technological innovation, and a supportive regulatory environment. The Asia Pacific region is also witnessing significant growth due to its large elderly population base, particularly in countries like China and Japan. Europe is steadily incorporating advanced elder care technologies as part of its healthcare strategy to address the increasing needs of its aging population. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America are emerging markets, gradually adopting elder care robotics as awareness and investment in this technology grow.

Product Type Analysis

The elder care robotics market is segmented by product type into assistive robots, monitoring robots, socially assistive robots, and others. Assistive robots are designed to aid elderly individuals in performing daily living activities such as dressing, bathing, and moving around. These robots are equipped with various features like mobility support, fall detection, and scheduling reminders, which not only enhance independence but also ensure the safety of seniors. With the integration of AI, these robots are becoming increasingly sophisticated, capable of recognizing voice commands and learning user preferences, making them more effective in providing personalized care.

Monitoring robots play a crucial role in elder care by ensuring the health and safety of elderly individuals. These robots are equipped with advanced sensors and cameras that monitor vital signs, detect falls, and alert caregivers in case of emergencies. The demand for monitoring robots is driven by the need for continuous health assessment and th

Population ages 65 and above (% of total population) in Japan was reported at 29.56 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Japan - Population ages 65 and above (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Age Dependency Ratio: Older Dependents to Working-Age Population for Japan (SPPOPDPNDOLJPN) from 1960 to 2023 about 64 years +, working-age, ratio, Japan, and population.

Japan anti aging market size reached USD 7.0 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 11.3 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during 2025-2033. The market is driven by the rapidly aging population in the country, the increasing focus on health and well-being, and advancements in skincare technologies, including the development of high-quality skincare products, non-invasive treatments, and innovative ingredients.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product and devices and application.

According to a projection made in 2023, it was forecast that the number of people aged 65 years or older in Japan would increase from about **** million in 2024 to around ** million people by 2033. By contrast, the number of children, as well as the working-age population, was forecast to shrink in the same period.

Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) in Japan was reported at 70.1 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Japan - Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

Japan JP: Population: as % of Total: Male: Aged 0-14 data was reported at 13.548 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 13.597 % for 2016. Japan JP: Population: as % of Total: Male: Aged 0-14 data is updated yearly, averaging 20.224 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 31.420 % in 1960 and a record low of 13.548 % in 2017. Japan JP: Population: as % of Total: Male: Aged 0-14 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Male population between the ages 0 to 14 as a percentage of the total male population. Population is based on the de facto definition of population.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age/sex distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Weighted average;

This data package includes the underlying data to replicate the charts, tables, and calculations presented in Managing an aging society: Learning the right lessons from Japan, PIIE Working Paper 25-4.

If you use the data, please cite as:

Kirkegaard, Jacob Funk. 2025. Managing an aging society: Learning the right lessons from Japan. PIIE Working Paper 25-4. Washington: Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Longitudinal data set of a nationally representative sample of the population aged 65 and over in Japan, comparable to that collected in the US and other countries. The first two waves of data are now available to the international research community. The sample is refreshed with younger members at each wave so it remains representative of the population at each wave. The study was designed primarily to investigate health status of the Japanese elderly and changes in health status over time. An additional aim is to investigate the impact of long-term care insurance system on the use of services by the Japanese elderly and to investigate the relationship between co-residence and the use of long term care. While the focus of the survey is health and health service utilization, other topics relevant to the aging experience are included such as intergenerational exchange, living arrangements, caregiving, and labor force participation. The initial questionnaire was designed to be comparable to the (US) Longitudinal Study of Aging II (LSOAII), and to the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD, a pre-1924 birth cohort) sample of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), which has now been merged with the HRS. The sample was selected using a multistage stratified sampling method to generate 340 primary sampling units (PSUs). The sample of individuals was selected for the most part by using the National Residents Registry System, considered to be universal and accurate because it is a legal requirement to report any move to local authorities within two weeks. From each of the 340 PSUs, 6-11 persons aged 65-74 were selected and 8-12 persons aged 75+ were sampled. The population 75+ was oversampled by a factor of 2. Weights have been developed for respondents to the first wave of the survey to reflect sampling probabilities. Weights for the second wave are under development. With these weights, the sample should be representative of the 65+ Japanese population. In fall 1999, 4,997 respondents aged 65+ were interviewed, 74.6 percent of the initial target. Twelve percent of responses were provided by proxies, because of physical or mental health problems. The second wave of data was collected in November 2001. The third wave was collected in November 2003. Questionnaire topics include family structure, and living arrangements; subjects'''' parents/spouse''''s parents/children; socioeconomic status; intergenerational exchange; health behaviors, chronic conditions, physical functioning; activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living; functioning in the community; mental health depression measures; vision and hearing; dental health; health care and other service utilization. A CD is available which include the codebook and data files for the first and second waves of the national sample. The third wave of data will be released at a later date. * Dates of Study: 1999-2003 * Study Features: Longitudinal, International * Sample Size: ** 4,997 Nov/Dec 1999 Wave 1 ** 3,992 Nov 2001 Wave 2 ** Nov 2003 Wave 3 Link: * ICPSR: http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/ICPSR/studies/00156

Japan JP: Population: Female: Aged 0-14 data was reported at 7,950,363.000 Person in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 7,993,231.000 Person for 2016. Japan JP: Population: Female: Aged 0-14 data is updated yearly, averaging 11,629,233.000 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13,688,228.000 Person in 1960 and a record low of 7,950,363.000 Person in 2017. Japan JP: Population: Female: Aged 0-14 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Female population between the ages 0 to 14. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.; ; World Bank staff estimates using the World Bank's total population and age/sex distributions of the United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Sum; Relevance to gender indicator: Knowing how many girls, adolescents and women there are in a population helps a country in determining its provision of services.

The statistic shows the total population in Japan from 2020 to 2024, with projections up until 2030. In 2024, the total population of Japan amounted to around 123.89 million inhabitants. See the figures for the population of South Korea for comparison. Total population in Japan From steadily low fertility rates to a growing elderly population, it is no secret that Japan’s population is shrinking. Population growth rates jump around a little, but are currently following a declining trend. The post-war baby boom generation is now in the 65-and-over age group, and the percentage of the population in that category is expected to keep growing, as is indicated by a high median age and high life expectancy. Japan already has the highest percentage of its population over 65 in the world, and the aging population puts some pressure on the Japanese government to provide welfare services for more people as rising numbers leave the workforce. However, the amount of jobs opened up for the younger generations by the older generations leaving the workforce means that unemployment is kept to a minimum. Despite a jump in unemployment after the global recession hit in 2008, rates were almost back to pre-recession rates by 2013. Another factor affecting Japan is the number of emigrants to other countries. The United States absorbs a number of emigrants worldwide, so despite a stagnating birth rate, the U.S. has seen a steady rise in population.

A panel data set for use in cross-cultural analyses of aging, health, and well-being between the U.S. and Japan. The questionnaires were designed to be partially comparable to many surveys of the aged, including Americans'' Changing Lives; 1984 National Health Interview Survey Supplement on Aging; Health and Retirement Study (HRS), and Well-Being Among the Aged: Personal Control and Self-Esteem (WBA). NSJE questionnaire topics include: * Demographics (age, sex, marital status, education, employment) * Social Integration (interpersonal contacts, social supports) * Health Limitations on daily life and activities * Health Conditions * Health Status (ratings of present health) * Level of physical activity * Subjective Well-Being and Mental Health Status (life satisfaction, morale), * Psychological Indicators (life events, locus of control, self-esteem) * Financial situation (financial status) * Memory (measures of cognitive functioning) * Interviewer observations (assessments of respondents) The NSJE was based on a national sample of 2,200 noninstitutionalized elderly aged 60+ in Japan. This cohort has been interviewed once every 3 years since 1987. To ensure that the data are representative of the 60+ population, the samples in 1990 and 1996 were refreshed to add individuals aged 60-62. In 1999, a new cohort of Japanese adults aged 70+ was added to the surviving members of previous cohorts to form a database of 3,990 respondents 63+, of which some 3,000 were 70+. Currently a 6-wave longitudinal database (1987, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1999, & 2002) is in place; wave 7 began in 2006. Data Availability: Data from the first three waves of the National Survey of the Japanese Elderly are currently in the public domain and can be obtained from ICPSR. Additional data are being prepared for future public release. * Dates of Study: 1987-2006 * Study Features: Longitudinal, International * Sample Size: ** 1987: 2,200 ** 1990: 2,780 ** 1993: 2,780 ** 1996: ** 1999: 3,990 ** 2002: ** 2006: Links: * 1987 (ICPSR): http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/ICPSR/studies/06842 * 1990 (ICPSR): http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/ICPSR/studies/03407 * 1993 (ICPSR): http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/ICPSR/studies/04145 * 1996 (ICPSR): http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/ICPSR/studies/26621