The share of people aged 65 years and older in Japan stood at ***** percent in 2023. In a steady upward trend, the share rose by ***** percentage points from 1960.

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.

Graph and download economic data for Population ages 65 and above for Japan (SPPOP65UPTOZSJPN) from 1960 to 2024 about 65-years +, Japan, and population.

Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) in Japan was reported at 70.12 % in 2024, 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 October of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Age Dependency Ratio: Older Dependents to Working-Age Population for Japan (SPPOPDPNDOLJPN) from 1960 to 2024 about 64 years +, working-age, ratio, Japan, and population.

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.

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.

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.

Population ages 65 and above (% of total population) in Japan was reported at 29.78 % in 2024, 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 October of 2025.

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.

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, this age group 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.

Japan JP: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population data was reported at 66.487 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 65.290 % for 2016. Japan JP: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population data is updated yearly, averaging 47.350 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 66.487 % in 2017 and a record low of 43.299 % in 1992. Japan JP: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population 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. Age dependency ratio is the ratio of dependents--people younger than 15 or older than 64--to the working-age population--those ages 15-64. Data are shown as the proportion of dependents per 100 working-age population.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Weighted average; Relevance to gender indicator: this indicator implies the dependency burden that the working-age population bears in relation to children and the elderly. Many times single or widowed women who are the sole caregiver of a household have a high dependency ratio.

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

The majority of senior citizens in Japan participated in activities voluntarily, according to a survey conducted in October 2023. Health and sports-related activities were the most popular activities, with **** percent of elderly respondents stating to have participated in exercising, walking clubs, gateball, or other activities.

The share of the elderly among the labor force in Japan amounted to **** percent in 2024. According to the source, the total labor force amounted to over ** million people.

Japan JP: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population: Old data was reported at 45.032 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 43.909 % for 2016. Japan JP: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population: Old data is updated yearly, averaging 16.239 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 45.032 % in 2017 and a record low of 8.767 % in 1960. Japan JP: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population: Old 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. Age dependency ratio, old, is the ratio of older dependents--people older than 64--to the working-age population--those ages 15-64. Data are shown as the proportion of dependents per 100 working-age population.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Weighted average;

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

Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Spain, and other countries, the historical and future estimated values of the proportion of the population aged 65 and over.

japan - Age Dependency Ratio: Older Dependents to Working-Age Population for Japan was 50.28468 % of Working-Age Population in January of 2023, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, japan - Age Dependency Ratio: Older Dependents to Working-Age Population for Japan reached a record high of 50.28468 in January of 2023 and a record low of 49.74398 in January of 2021. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for japan - Age Dependency Ratio: Older Dependents to Working-Age Population for Japan - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on October of 2025.

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