In 1800, the population of Japan was just over 30 million, a figure which would grow by just two million in the first half of the 19th century. However, with the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of the emperor in the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Japan would begin transforming from an isolated feudal island, to a modernized empire built on Western models. The Meiji period would see a rapid rise in the population of Japan, as industrialization and advancements in healthcare lead to a significant reduction in child mortality rates, while the creation overseas colonies would lead to a strong economic boom. However, this growth would slow beginning in 1937, as Japan entered a prolonged war with the Republic of China, which later grew into a major theater of the Second World War. The war was eventually brought to Japan's home front, with the escalation of Allied air raids on Japanese urban centers from 1944 onwards (Tokyo was the most-bombed city of the Second World War). By the war's end in 1945 and the subsequent occupation of the island by the Allied military, Japan had suffered over two and a half million military fatalities, and over one million civilian deaths.

The population figures of Japan were quick to recover, as the post-war “economic miracle” would see an unprecedented expansion of the Japanese economy, and would lead to the country becoming one of the first fully industrialized nations in East Asia. As living standards rose, the population of Japan would increase from 77 million in 1945, to over 127 million by the end of the century. However, growth would begin to slow in the late 1980s, as birth rates and migration rates fell, and Japan eventually grew to have one of the oldest populations in the world. The population would peak in 2008 at just over 128 million, but has consistently fallen each year since then, as the fertility rate of the country remains below replacement level (despite government initiatives to counter this) and the country's immigrant population remains relatively stable. The population of Japan is expected to continue its decline in the coming years, and in 2020, it is estimated that approximately 126 million people inhabit the island country.

As of 2020, about 29 percent of the population in Japan was concentrated in the Greater Tokyo Area. The three metropolitan areas Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, accounted for around 53 percent of the Japanese population.

In 2023, there were around *** live births per 1,000 inhabitants in Japan, down from about *** in the previous year. The total number of live births in the nation amounted to approximately ******* in 2023. Japan’s super aging society Directly after the end of WWII, the live birth rate in Japan was over ** per 1,000 of population. The rate has constantly dropped in the last decades after the second baby boom (between 1971 and 1974). Meanwhile, the life expectancy of the Japanese people has increased, reaching about **** years for women and **** years for men in 2022. Due to the combination of both factors, Japan has developed into one of the most rapidly aging societies in the world. Almost ** percent of Japan’s population is currently aged 65 years and older, falling into the “super-aged nation” defined by international institutions and organizations.  Decreasing number of marriages In Japan, the number of births outside of marriage is small. The Japanese government, therefore, considers the decreasing number of marriages as the driving factor behind the country’s fertility decline. As of 2023, the number of marriages per 1,000 Japanese citizens was ***, less than half compared to that in the early *****. The average age of first marriage has also risen for both men and women. This trend can be partially attributed to the increasing number of employed and therefore financially and socially independent women in the past two decades. The employment rate of women in Japan exceeded ** percent for the first time in history in ****.

In 2024, approximately **** million residents of foreign nationality were registered in Japan, making up below ***** percent of the population. The total number of foreign residents increased by about ****million in the last decade. Development of immigration to Japan Except for a large minority of people of Korean descent who have lived in Japan since the first half of the twentieth century, immigration of people from other countries did not become an issue in Japan until the 1980s when the economy required more labor. A revision of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act in 1990 allowed people of Japanese descent, so-called "nikkeijin," to enter the country and work without restrictions. The nikkeijin who entered Japan in the years that followed mainly came from Brazil and other South American countries. Chinese immigration increased as well throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. A breakdown of foreign residents by major nationalities shows that ********immigrants overtook ******* as the largest minority group in 2007. People from ******* were the strongest growing minority in the 2010s. Recent immigration reform Due to its demographic changes, Japan has a relatively low unemployment rate. As a consequence, a large share of companies report labor shortages. The temporary immigration of foreign workers is considered one of the possible solutions to this problem, next to the increasing labor market participation of women and the elderly. In 2019, the Japanese government enacted a major immigration reform. The reform allowed lower- and semi-skilled workers to enter the country and work in one of 14 different industries suffering from a lack of labor. The vast majority of participants are not allowed to bring their family members and are expected to return to their respective countries after their terms in Japan end.

BackgroundHalf of Japanese possess a polymorphism of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2(ALDH2), while few white individuals possess this mutation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of ALDH2 polymorphism as a prognostic factor for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) among Japanese population.MethodsWe analyzed 82 Japanese patients with OPC treated between 2006 and 2011. The median observation period was 50 months. P16-staining and ALDH2 polymorphisms were investigated. To examine the frequencies of second primary pharyngeal and esophageal cancers (SPPEC),37 Japanese patients with OPC treated at Tokyo University Hospital were included for statistical analysis.ResultsStatistically significant differences were noted in OS among sex, age, N classification, and p16 (p = 0.045, 0.024, 0.020, 0.007, respectively). In addition, OS and DSS rates of the patients with heterozygous ALDH2 tended to be worse than those of the patients with homozygous ALDH2 (p = 0.21, 0.086, respectively). Of note, OS and DSS of the patients with p16-negative OPC and heterozygous ALDH2 was significant poorer than those of the patients with p16-positive OPC (p = 0.002, 0.006, respectively), while there was no significant difference in OS and DSS between patients with p16-positive OPC and patients with p16-negative OPC and homozygous ALDH2.ConclusionsALDH2 polymorphism might be a promising prognostic factor for Japanese patients with p16-negative OPC.

The Japan Residential Construction Market is experiencing robust growth, projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 5% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. A growing aging population necessitates more adaptable and accessible housing solutions, driving demand for renovation and specialized construction. Simultaneously, urbanization and increasing disposable incomes are boosting demand for new, modern apartments and condominiums, particularly in major metropolitan areas. Government initiatives aimed at improving housing affordability and infrastructure development further contribute to market expansion. However, the market faces certain constraints, including land scarcity in densely populated urban centers and fluctuating material costs, potentially impacting construction timelines and overall project viability. The market is segmented by dwelling type (apartments & condominiums, villas, others) and construction type (new construction, renovation). Leading players, including Daiwa House, Sekisui House, and Panasonic Homes, are strategically positioning themselves to capitalize on these trends through innovative designs, sustainable building practices, and technological integration. Competition remains intense, requiring companies to offer differentiated products and services to maintain market share. The market's success hinges on addressing the challenges of land scarcity and material costs effectively. Companies achieving this balance, combined with a focus on creating energy-efficient and technologically advanced housing solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the Japanese population, are well-positioned to benefit from the continued growth trajectory. The renovation segment, spurred by the aging population's need for accessible housing, represents a significant opportunity for market expansion, especially in the coming years. Furthermore, the strategic integration of smart home technology and sustainable materials will likely influence consumer preference and drive innovation within the industry. The dominance of established players underscores the need for newer entrants to offer unique value propositions to compete effectively. Future growth will likely be marked by increased specialization and a growing focus on providing tailored solutions to a diverse range of consumer needs. Recent developments include: November 2022: Asahi Kasei Homes acquired 100% ownership of all the subsidiaries of Focus Company. This acquisition will help Asahi Kasei Homes strengthen its core business of order-built unit homes in Japan, North America, and Australia., April 2022: Panasonic Homes commenced selling their Casart Black & Stone model, a Zero Energy Home (ZEH), in April 2022. The Black & Stone has an Earthquake Safety and Comfort Warranty that will restore the building to its original condition in the unlikely event that more than half of the house is damaged in an earthquake. The Black & Stone has a Grade 3 rating, the highest seismic performance rating that is achievable, under the Housing Performance Indication System.. Notable trends are: Foreign Investments in Japan is Driving the Market.

The Japan Residential Construction Market, valued at approximately ¥15 trillion (assuming a market size "XX" of 15 trillion based on typical market size for a developed nation like Japan and given the CAGR of >5%) in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 5% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key drivers. An aging population necessitates increased demand for senior-friendly housing, while urbanization continues to drive demand in metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Government initiatives promoting sustainable and energy-efficient construction methods further contribute to market expansion. The market is segmented by dwelling type (apartments & condominiums, villas, other types) and construction type (new construction, renovation), reflecting diverse consumer preferences and project scales. Leading players like Asahi Kasei Homes, Toyota Housing Co., and Sekisui House dominate the landscape, leveraging technological advancements and brand recognition to maintain market share. However, rising land prices and stringent building regulations pose significant challenges to sustained growth. Furthermore, fluctuations in lumber prices and potential labor shortages could impact construction timelines and project costs. The market's future trajectory hinges on effectively addressing these challenges. The continued focus on innovative construction techniques, incorporating smart home technologies, and adopting sustainable building materials will be crucial for companies to compete successfully. Government policies aiming to streamline regulations and provide incentives for environmentally friendly housing development will play a vital role in shaping the market's growth. The increasing demand for customized housing solutions and a rise in the preference for sustainable and energy-efficient homes will shape the evolving landscape of the Japanese residential construction market throughout the forecast period. Successful players will be those who adapt swiftly to changing consumer preferences, innovate their building practices, and navigate the regulatory environment effectively. Recent developments include: November 2022: Asahi Kasei Homes acquired 100% ownership of all the subsidiaries of Focus Company. This acquisition will help Asahi Kasei Homes strengthen its core business of order-built unit homes in Japan, North America, and Australia., April 2022: Panasonic Homes commenced selling their Casart Black & Stone model, a Zero Energy Home (ZEH), in April 2022. The Black & Stone has an Earthquake Safety and Comfort Warranty that will restore the building to its original condition in the unlikely event that more than half of the house is damaged in an earthquake. The Black & Stone has a Grade 3 rating, the highest seismic performance rating that is achievable, under the Housing Performance Indication System.. Key drivers for this market are: Increase FDI in construction in Asia-Pacific, Minimized Construction Wastage. Potential restraints include: Availability of Skilled Labor. Notable trends are: Foreign Investments in Japan is Driving the Market.

In fiscal year 2023, the dietary supplement market in Japan was valued at almost 259 billion Japanese yen. The supplements market grew steadily in recent years, accounting for around half of the foods with function claims market. Who is taking supplements? Consumers in higher age groups are the target groups of dietary supplements. As the Japanese population is gradually aging, businesses are focusing their marketing towards workers in higher age groups as well as senior consumers. A major expectation of consumers is the maintenance of physical health by improving and strengthening the immune system, contributing to the market success of nutritional supplements and vitality boosters. The Japanese health food market In the busy lifestyle of the aging Japanese society, supplements are catering to the demand for a nutritionally balanced lifestyle among consumers. Lately, the health food market benefitted from the growing health awareness as manufacturers are expanding their portfolios to include various healthy prepared meals and snacks. Apart from commonly available products such as sugar-free or allergen-free alternatives, foods with health claims such as the governmentally approved foods for specified health uses (FOSHU) are recording steady sales.

Nearly half of the migrant workers in the world were based in the high-income regions of Southern, Northern, and Western Europe as well as Northern America. Another 14 percent were based in Arab States. In 2019, there were around 170 million migrant workers worldwide. The American melting pot While Northern America has the second highest proportion of migrant workers globally, the United States has the highest number of migrant workers out of every country globally. In 2022, the United States had 32 million foreign-born workers. By comparison, Germany, which has the second highest number of migrant workers, had nine million foreign-born workers in 2022. Moreover, over one million people received legal permanent residence status in the United States in 2022. Japanese population crisis East Asia has a small proportion of migrant workers worldwide, at 2.8 percent of the total. Many East Asian nations have stricter barriers to migration compared to other regions. For a nation like Japan, which has a shrinking population, these policies present major challenges. In 2022, foreign nationals only accounted for 2.5 percent of Japan’s total population. In the face of an aging, decreasing population, over half of companies in Japan report shortages of full-time employees, despite Japan’s low unemployment rate.

The statistic shows the distribution of the workforce across economic sectors in Japan from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, 3.01 percent of the workforce was employed in agriculture, 23.71 percent in industry and 73.29 percent in services. Employment and standard of living in Japan Japan’s economy is one of the strongest in the world, and the country’s standard of living is eminently high. Japan ranks third among the countries with the largest gross domestic product / GDP worldwide; a look at the distribution of gross domestic product / GDP across economic sectors in Japan shows that the vast majority of Japan’s GDP is generated by the services sector. The majority of Japan’s workforce is employed in this sector, with less than a third working in industry and only a little more than 1 percent working in agriculture. Similarly to its gross domestic product, the unemployment rate in Japan has been quite steady for the past few years, and even decreased slightly. The inflation rate in Japan, on the other hand, has been fluctuating in recent years, and is currently one of the lowest worldwide. Japan is famous for a high life expectancy, and the median age (i.e. one half of the population is younger and the other half is older) of the Japanese population is thus also among the highest in the world, as can be seen in a comparison of the median age of the population of selected countries. The median age in Japan is significantly higher than in other developed countries, like France or the United States.

Distribution of 82 patients according to TN classification.

Univariate analysis of the risk of death.

Clinical characteristics of 82 patients.

Distribution of patients according to p16-status and polymorphism of ALDH2.

In 2022, Shopee was the most downloaded free shopping application in Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The Shopee 2.2 app had over 48.22 million downloads in Indonesia in 2022. In Thailand, Lazada was the most downloaded shopping app with over 13.27 million downloads in 2022.

Online shopping in Southeast Asia

A recent study on consumer behavior in Southeast Asia revealed that over 50 percent of consumers in the region had purchased fashion and personal care items online. Just under half of the respondents used online shopping to buy groceries. The online grocery market in SEA has grown significantly in recent years and was forecast to reach 16.6 billion U.S. dollars by 2026.

Online shopping in APAC 

In the Asia-Pacific region, Thailand had the highest share of the population that made weekly online purchases. In contrast, less than half of the Japanese population made online purchases weekly. When making online purchase decisions, family members and social media influencers had the most influence over purchasing decisions made by APAC consumers.

A survey conducted in Japan in September 2023 showed that 12.4 percent of the respondents read 11 books or more within the past half year. The combined share of respondents who read at least one book during the past six months amounted to 52.1 percent.

In 2024, the average land price in Japan amounted to around 217.1 thousand Japanese yen per square meter. The average land price is based on land price surveys conducted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism and prefectural governments in January and July each year. Japan’s geography The Japanese archipelago consists of the five main islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Okinawa in addition to thousands of smaller islands. Together, they cover a surface area of around 378 thousand square kilometers. Three-quarters of the country’s land area is covered by mountains. Forestland and farmland constitute about 78 percent of its landmass, while developed land accounts for five percent. The population of 124 million is concentrated in major cities like Tokyo, which is home to over nine million inhabitants. Urban-rural divide and land prices Owing to an overconcentration of economic activity in Tokyo and other major cities like Osaka and Nagoya, more than half of the population is located in three metropolitan areas. Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures that comprise the Tokyo metropolitan area attract many people from other parts of the country each year, often young individuals seeking jobs or starting university. In contrast, rural regions are confronted with depopulation and economic stagnation. Japan’s urban-rural divide is also reflected in land prices. Tokyo has by far the most expensive land prices. In terms of land price growth, the cities of Sapporo, Sendai, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka have outpaced the Greater Tokyo Area in the past decade.

As of March 2025, South Africa had the highest unemployment rate among the 19* countries that are members of the G20. The unemployment rate in South Africa stood at 33.9 percent that year. The country has recently been plagued by an economic downturn, including energy shortages and high unemployment levels. On the other hand, Japan had the lowest unemployment rate at just 2.5 percent. Economic inequality in South Africa Not only does South Africa top the G20 in overall unemployment, but it also has a significant level of youth unemployment, as nearly half of the young population is unemployed. Thirty years after the end of Apartheid, South Africa is also still one of the most unequal countries in the world, with a Gini score of 0.63. The prominence of inequality in the country makes escaping unemployment and underemployment difficult. Japanese economic slowdown While Japan had the lowest unemployment rate out of all G20 nations, as well as the lowest youth unemployment rate out of the G20 nations, Japan’s economy is still facing many challenges. With an aging population, the total Japanese population is facing a rapid decline, meaning that it will struggle to have enough workers participating in the labor market. Despite this, Japan maintains strict immigration policies, limiting the chances for foreign workers to move to Japan. Moreover, Japan has the second lowest fertility rate out of the G7 nations and one of the lowest fertility rates globally, adding another challenge in addressing population shrinkage.

Objective: Clinical procedural experience and confidence are both important when performing complex medical procedures. Because out-of-hospital endotracheal intubation (ETI) is a complex intervention, we sought to clarify clinical ETI experience among prehospital rescuers as well as their confidence in performing ETI and confidence-associated factors. Design: Population-based cross-sectional study conducted from January to September 2017. Setting: Northern Japan, including eight prefectures. Participants: Emergency life-saving technicians (ELSTs) authorized to perform ETI. Outcome measures: Annual ETI exposure and confidence in performing ETI, according to a 5-point Likert scale. To determine factors associated with ETI confidence, differences between confident ELSTs (those scoring 4 or 5 on the Likert scale) and non-confident ELSTs were evaluated. Results: Questionnaires were sent to 149 fire departments; 140 agreed to participate. Among the 2821 ELSTs working at responding fire departments, 2620 returned the questionnaire (response rate, 92.9%); complete data sets were available for 2567 ELSTs (complete response rate, 91.0%). Of those 2567 respondents, 95.7% performed two or fewer ETI annually; 46.6% reported lack of confidence in performing ETI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that years of clinical experience (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.13), annual ETI exposure (AOR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.59–2.03), and the availability of ETI skill retention programs including regular simulation training (AOR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.02–1.68) and operating room training (AOR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.14–1.83) were independently associated with confidence in performing ETI. Conclusions: ETI is an uncommon event for most ELSTs and nearly half of respondents did not have confidence in performing this procedure. Because confidence in ETI was independently associated with availability of regular simulation and operating room training, standardization of ETI reeducation that incorporates such methods may be useful for prehospital rescuers.

As of October 2018, Yahoo Japan was the most used website in Japan, with approximately 67.43 million monthly active users on average. The top three websites all had a reach of over 60 million people, encompassing about half of the total Japanese population. The leading messenger Line was close to the 60 million mark.