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.

Throughout the Common Era, Japan's population saw relatively steady growth between each century. Failed invasions and distance from Asia's mainland meant that Japan was unaffected by many pandemics, primarily bubonic plague, therefore its development was not drastically impeded in the same way as areas such as China or Europe. Additionally, religious practices meant that hygiene was prioritized much more in Japan than in other regions, and dietary customs saw lower rates of meat consumption and regular boiling of water in meals or tea; both of these factors contributed to lower rates of infection for many parasitic or water-borne diseases. Fewer international conflicts and domestic stability also saw lower mortality in this regard, and Japan was an considered an outlier by Asian standards, as some shifting trends associated with the demographic transition (such as lower child mortality and fertility) began taking place in the 17th century; much earlier time than anywhere else in the world. Yet the most significant changes came in the 20th century, as Japan's advanced healthcare and sanitation systems saw drastic reductions in mortality. Challenges Japan's isolation meant that, when pandemics did arrive, the population had less protection and viruses could have higher mortality rates; smallpox has been cited as the deadliest of these pandemics, although increased international contact in the late 19th century brought new viruses, and population growth slowed. Earlier isolation also meant that crop failure or food shortages could leave large sections of the population vulnerable, and, as mentioned, the Japanese diet contained relatively little meat, therefore there was a higher reliance on crops and vegetables. It is believed that the shortage of arable land and the acidity of the soil due to volcanic activity meant that agriculture was more challenging in Japan than on the Asian mainland. For most of history, paddy fields were the most efficient source of food production in Japan, but the challenging nature of this form of agriculture and changes in employment trends gradually led to an increased reliance in imported crops. Post-Sakoku Japan Distance from the Asian mainland was not the only reason for Japan's isolation; from 1603 to 1853, under the Tokugawa shogunate, international trade was restricted, migration abroad was forbidden, and most foreign interaction was centered around Nagasaki. American neo-imperialism then forced Japan to open trade with the west, and Japan became an imperial power by the early-1900s. Japanese expansion began with a series of military victories against China and Russia at the turn of the century, and the annexation of Taiwan, Korea, and Manchuria by the 1930s, before things escalated further during its invasion of China and the Second World War. Despite its involvement in so many wars, the majority of conflicts involving Japan were overseas, therefore civilian casualties were much lower than those suffered by other Asian countries during this time. After Japan's defeat in 1945, its imperial ambitions were abandoned, it developed strong economic ties with the West, and had the fastest economic growth of any industrial country in the post-WWII period. Today, Japan is one of the most demographically advanced countries in the world, with the highest life expectancy in most years. However, its population has been in a steady decline for over a decade, and low fertility and an over-aged society are considered some of the biggest challenges to Japanese society today.

Tokyo Prefecture continued to be a magnet for domestic migration in Japan, attracting nearly 58,500 new residents from other prefectures in 2023. By contrast, Hiroshima Prefecture showed the highest population loss due to outbound migration within the country, with a net loss of approximately 7,400 migrants. Attractiveness of Tokyo The population density in the prefecture has grown over the past two decades, surpassing 6,400 inhabitants per square kilometer in 2020. The appealing nature of Tokyo is also reflected in the age demographics of the metropolis, with most residents falling within the working-age group of 15 to 64 years. Numerous prestigious universities and large corporations make the area a popular destination for young people with aspirations. Depopulation of rural areas The migration patterns across Japan's prefectures indicate significant regional disparities. While Tokyo leads in population size with 14 million inhabitants in 2023, prefectures like Tottori struggle to retain residents, counting only about 540,000 people. This imbalance has prompted concerns about the sustainability of rural communities and has led to various initiatives aimed at revitalizing less populous areas. The Japanese government faces the complex task of addressing these demographic shifts while also navigating challenges resulting from a nationwide aging population due to prolonged life expectancy and fertility decline.

The size of the Japan ICT market was valued at USD XX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 11.25% during the forecast period.The Japan ICT marketplace ranges from very small to an all-encompassing range in the technologies from hardware, through software, including telecommunication as well as services that are sourced through the Internet. ICT supports Japan's key areas of economical and social prosperity. The chief industries in this Japan ICT business sector are, for example: telecommunication broadcasting; IT Service providers; Manufacturing electronics.The Japanese ICT market is advanced in terms of technological infrastructure, strong research and development capabilities, and a highly skilled workforce. However, there are challenges to the market: an aging population, increasing competition from global players, and concerns over cybersecurity. Recent developments include: October 2022: Google announced that it will launch its first data center in Japan by 2023. The data center would provide more reliable, faster access to the company's products and services, support employment and economic activity, and connect Japan to the rest of the global digital economy., February 2022: KDDI, a Japanese telecom company, announced the deployment of the world's first commercial 5G standalone open radio access network (Open RAN) in Japan. The network launch would also enable the company to accelerate the deployment of Open RAN across Japan, including in rural areas.. Key drivers for this market are: Rising need to explore and adopt digital technologies and initiatives. Potential restraints include: High CaPex for Building Data Center Along With Security Challenges. Notable trends are: Rising need to explore and adopt digital technologies and initiatives.

In 2023, the home ownership rate in Japan stood at 60.9 percent, remaining mostly flat in the past 15 years. That year, the total number of houses owned in the country amounted to approximately 33.9 million. Which type of dwelling is common in Japan? Among all residential buildings in Japan, detached houses exceeded all other building types in numbers. The majority of ordinary Japanese households live in detached houses. Japanese architecture is well known for its traditional wood constructions, and the use of timber for housing construction is still widely spread. Wood is still the major type of structure used for new residential buildings in Japan, followed by materials like steel. The problem of abandoned houses Due to a shrinking and aging population, and rural depopulation, Japan faces an increasing share of vacant dwellings, often referred to as “Akiya”. A large proportion of unoccupied houses in Japan are available for sale or rent. Some local governments and municipalities have reacted to the problem of abandoned houses by offering properties at reduced prices or even for free on certain conditions.

Calibration of the molecular rate is one of the major challenges in marine population genetics. Although the use of an appropriate evolutionary rate is crucial in exploring population histories, calibration of the rate is always difficult because fossil records and geological events are rarely applicable for rate calibration. The acceleration of the evolutionary rate for recent coalescent events (or more simply, the time dependency of the molecular clock) is also a problem that can lead to overestimation of population parameters. Calibration of demographic transition (CDT) is a rate calibration technique that assumes a post-glacial demographic expansion, representing one of the most promising approaches for dealing with these potential problems in the rate calibration. Here, we demonstrate the importance of using an appropriate evolutionary rate, and the power of CDT, by using populations of the sandy beach amphipod Haustorioides japonicus along the Japanese coast of the northwestern Pacific Ocean. Analysis of mitochondrial sequences found that the most peripheral population in the Pacific coast of northeastern Honshu Island (Tohoku region) is genetically distinct from the other northwestern Pacific populations. By using the two-epoch demographic model and rate of temperature change, the evolutionary rate was modeled as a log-normal distribution with a median rate of 2.2%/My. The split-time of the Tohoku population was subsequently estimated to be during the previous interglacial period by using the rate distribution, which enables us to infer potential causes of the divergence between local populations along the continuous Pacific coast of Japan.

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Population Health Management Market Size 2025-2029

The population health management market size is forecast to increase by USD 19.40 billion at a CAGR of 10.7% between 2024 and 2029.

The Population Health Management Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of healthcare IT solutions and the rising focus on personalized medicine. The implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) and other digital health technologies has enabled healthcare providers to collect and analyze large amounts of patient data, facilitating proactive care and population health management. Moreover, the trend towards personalized medicine, which aims to tailor healthcare treatments to individual patients based on their unique genetic makeup and health history, is further fueling the demand for PHM solutions. However, the high cost of installing and implementing these platforms poses a significant challenge for market growth.
Despite this, the potential benefits of PHM, including improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced population health, make it an attractive area for investment and innovation. Companies seeking to capitalize on these opportunities must navigate the challenges of data privacy and security, interoperability, and integration with existing healthcare systems. By addressing these challenges and focusing on delivering actionable insights from patient data, PHM solution providers can help healthcare organizations optimize their resources, improve patient care, and ultimately, improve population health.

What will be the Size of the Population Health Management Market during the forecast period?

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The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing focus on accountable care organizations (ACOs) and payer organizations to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. Healthcare professionals are leveraging big data, data analytics services, and clinical data integration to develop personalized care plans and implement intervention strategies for various populations. Telehealth services have become essential in population health management, enabling care coordination, health promotion, and health navigation for patients. Health equity is a critical factor in population health management, with a growing emphasis on addressing disparities and ensuring equal access to care.
Data security and interoperability standards are essential in population health management, as healthcare providers exchange sensitive patient data for risk adjustment, care pathways, and quality reporting. Data mining and data visualization tools are used to identify health behavior changes and lifestyle modifications, leading to better health outcomes. Consumer health technology, such as patient engagement tools and wearable technology, are playing an increasingly important role in population health management. Health coaching and evidence-based medicine are intervention strategies used to prevent diseases and improve health outcomes. In summary, the market in the US is characterized by the adoption of precision medicine, health literacy, clinical guidelines, and personalized care plans.
The market is driven by the need for care coordination, data analytics, and patient engagement to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. The use of data security, data mining, and interoperability standards ensures the effective exchange and utilization of health data.

How is this Population Health Management Industry segmented?

The population health management industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Component

  Software
  Services


End-user

  Large enterprises
  SMEs


Delivery Mode

  On-Premise
  Cloud-Based
  Web-Based
  On-Premise
  Cloud-Based


End-Use

  Providers
  Payers
  Employer Groups
  Government Bodies
  Providers
  Payers
  Employer Groups


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World

By Component Insights

The software segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market's software segment is experiencing significant growth and innovation. Healthcare organizations are utilizing these solutions to effectively manage and enhance the health outcomes of diverse populations. The software component incorporates various tools that collect, analyze, and utilize health data for informed decision-making. Population health management platforms gather data from multiple sources, such as electronic health records, claims data, and patient-generated data. These platforms employ advanced analytics to generate valuable insi

【リソース】Annual Report on the Environment in Japan 2006 / / Full text / Top Cover / To Our Readers / Contents / Part One: Overview / Overview 1. Population Decline and the Environment / Chapter 1. Environment in the Declining Population Era / Chapter 2. Creating a Sustainable Society Compatible with a Dwindling Population / Overview 2. Fifty Years of Minamata Disease, Origin of Japan's Environmental Problems / PartTwo Current Environmental Issues and Government Environmental Conservation Measures / Back Cover【キーワード】白書_年次報告

As of 2023, Italy had the highest unemployment rate of the G7 countries, reaching 7.6 percent. Especially in Canada and the United States, the unemployment rate rose sharply in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Japan had the lowest unemployment rate at just 2.6 percent. Slowed growth of the Japanese economy and society While Japan had the lowest unemployment rate, it also experienced a slow wage growth. Wages in Japan are known to be stagnant, with many workers going years without experiencing any wage growth in their roles. One contributing factor to its low unemployment rate is its shrinking population. As the population continues to decrease, there is less competition for work. However, this introduces other problems for Japanese society, as it also has a rapidly aging population that requires long-term care. Unemployment in Italy: The divide between Northern and Southern Italy Not only does Italy have the highest unemployment rate out of the G7, but it has the second-highest unemployment rate of Europe's largest economies. Furthermore, Italy has significant levels of youth unemployment, with the majority of youth unemployment lying within southern regions of the country. The economic divide between Northern and Southern Italy is significant, and can be attributed to differences in industralization and economic diversification. The prominence of this divide has had wider impacts on Italian politics and society.

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.

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Elderly And Disabled Assistive Solutions Market Size 2024-2028

The elderly and disabled assistive solutions market size is forecast to increase by USD 15.61 billion, at a CAGR of 8.09% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing initiatives by governments and NGOs to improve accessibility and support for the elderly and disabled population. These organizations are investing in technologies and services that cater to the unique needs of this demographic, creating opportunities for market participants. Also, the growing number of disabled and aged people, due to factors such as aging populations and the prevalence of chronic diseases, is increasing the need for mobility aids, assistive devices, and healthcare services tailored to their needs. However, challenges persist, particularly in developing countries where customization remains a significant issue. The diverse needs of the elderly and disabled population necessitate tailored solutions, which can be costly and complex to develop and implement.
This obstacle may hinder market penetration in these regions, requiring companies to explore innovative approaches to address affordability and accessibility concerns. In conclusion, the market is poised for growth, fueled by supportive initiatives from governments and NGOs. However, companies must navigate the challenges of customization, particularly in developing countries, to effectively capitalize on market opportunities and meet the evolving needs of their customers.

What will be the Size of the Elderly And Disabled Assistive Solutions Market during the forecast period?

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The market continues to evolve, with innovative technologies and applications emerging across various sectors. Mobility scooters and mobility aids enable individuals to move around more freely, while assistive technology, such as visual impairment aids and communication devices, enhances accessibility. Home modifications, including fall prevention and remote monitoring systems, promote safety and independence. Moreover, wearable sensors and personal emergency response devices facilitate real-time health monitoring and timely assistance. Orthotic devices, ergonomic furniture, and adaptive clothing cater to diverse needs, ensuring comfort and functionality. Rehabilitation technology and prosthetic devices enable individuals to regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

The integration of cognitive support, hearing impairment aids, and smart home automation further enhances accessibility and independence. Bathing aids, toileting aids, and dressing aids cater to daily living needs, ensuring dignity and convenience. Adaptive equipment and sensory aids address specific requirements, allowing individuals to overcome challenges and live more fulfilling lives. The ongoing dynamism of the market reflects the continuous efforts to address the unique needs of the elderly and disabled population, ensuring they can live safely, independently, and comfortably. The integration of technology into assistive solutions continues to transform the landscape, offering new possibilities for innovation and improvement.

How is this Elderly And Disabled Assistive Solutions Industry segmented?

The elderly and disabled assistive solutions industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Product

  Hearing devices
  Mobility and ambulatory devices
  Healthcare furniture and BSE
  Vision and reading aids


End-user

  Hospital
  Home care setting
  Nursing homes
  Assisted living facilities


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    Japan


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The hearing devices segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market encompasses a range of products and services designed to enhance the daily lives of individuals with mobility, cognitive, or sensory challenges. This market includes various categories such as eating aids, augmentative communication devices, computer accessibility solutions, accessible design, bathing aids, wearable sensors, toileting aids, accessible transportation, mobility scooters, assistive technology, visual impairment aids, communication devices, home modifications, fall prevention systems, remote monitoring solutions, personal emergency response systems, orthotic devices, ergonomic furniture, medication management systems, adaptive clothing, daily living aids, cognitive support tools, mobility aids, hearing impairment aids, smart home automatio

The global elderly anti-fall airbag market is experiencing robust growth, driven by an aging population and increasing awareness of fall-related injuries among the elderly. This market, estimated at $250 million in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033. Several factors contribute to this expansion. Technological advancements leading to lighter, more comfortable, and discreet designs are making airbags more appealing to seniors. Rising healthcare costs associated with fall-related injuries are also pushing governments and insurance providers to encourage preventative measures, further fueling market demand. The market is segmented by type (belt type and vest type) and application (retirement homes, hospitals, family use, and other settings). Belt-type airbags currently hold a larger market share due to their lower cost and ease of use, while vest-type airbags are gaining traction owing to their superior protection capabilities. Growth is further spurred by increasing awareness campaigns promoting fall prevention and the rising adoption of wearable technology for fall detection and prevention. Geographic variations in market penetration are apparent. North America and Europe currently dominate the market due to higher adoption rates and better healthcare infrastructure. However, Asia Pacific is poised for significant growth, fueled by rapidly aging populations in countries like China, India, and Japan. The market faces challenges, including high initial costs, potential discomfort for some users, and the need for increased consumer education to promote wider acceptance and adoption. Despite these challenges, the ongoing technological improvements, favorable regulatory support in several regions, and the growing awareness of fall prevention strategies are expected to sustain the market's impressive growth trajectory throughout the forecast period. Key players in the market include S-airbag, D-Air Lab Srl, SKYLOTEC, Davenport SAF-T Systems, Helite Airbag, Tango Belt, and Hip Guard, constantly innovating to improve product performance and accessibility.

In the fiscal year 2023, **** percent of the population in Japan had access to drinkable tap water from water services, following a slow but steady increase in the 2010s. Most of the tap water was supplied using waterworks, while a smaller amount was supplied with small-scale water supply systems as well as private water supply systems. Wastewater treatment in Japan Water pollution has become an environmental issue worldwide. Marine pollution is mainly caused by oil and waste, such as disposable plastic products. Therefore, wastewater treatment is essential to supply safe and drinkable water. The Japanese government strictly regulates tap water under the Water Supply Act enacted in 1957. In recent years, the share of population served by wastewater treatment systems increased to over ** percent. The majority of citizens were served by sewage lines.  Water consumption in Japan In recent years, the average daily water consumption volume per person in Japan stood at around *** liters. The Kanto region had the largest demand for water, likely because the metropolitan area of Tokyo is densely populated and represents one of the main industrial centers on the archipelago.

According to an annual survey, the share of people in Japan who use the internet stood at 85.6 percent in 2024. The internet penetration rate slightly decreased compared to the previous year. Spread of the internet in JapanCommercial internet services became available in Japan in the early 1990s and were adopted by an increasing number of people in the years that followed. The use of modems was made possible by the Telecommunications Business Act, which came into effect in 1985 and liberalized the telecommunications business. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation (NTT), which had a monopoly on the telecommunications system until then, was privatized during that year. Compared to other parts of Asia, regulation of internet service providers (ISPs) in Japan was less strict, which made it easy for entrepreneurs to establish related startups. However, high-speed digital leased lines were comparatively expensive. A further hurdle that had to be overcome was the complexity of the Japanese writing system. As these problems became solved, the internet gained greater acceptance in Japan, so that by the early 2000s it was used by a majority of people in the country. Survey figures indicate, however, that there remain differences based on age group, household income, and the regions people live in. Internet usage todaySurvey data also show that the most common reasons for using the internet in Japan are social networking services, communicating with other people via e-mail, and the looking up of information. Among social networks, X and Instagram enjoy a particularly high popularity, while LINE reigns supreme among messaging apps. The main devices used to access the internet are smartphones and PCs. Leading internet service providers include Asahi Net, Biglobe, Nifty Corporation, NTT Plala, and So-net, while the three major mobile carriers in Japan are NTT Docomo, au by KDDI, and SoftBank. E-commerce giant Rakuten joined the competition by launching its own mobile carrier service in 2020.

The statistic presents the results of a survey conducted by the Japanese Cabinet Office in 2014 about the major concerns among people living in Japan towards their health in elderly years. The two leading concerns were the weakening of physical strength and to suffer from a critical disease such as cancer with around **** and ** percent, respectively.

In 2022, the number of fatalities in Japan caused by ******************* amounted to approximately ***** thousand, making cancerous tumors the most common cause of death in Japan. In that year, the total number of deaths in Japan reached around **** million cases. Age-related health issues are increasing in Japan Japan has one of the healthiest populations, with one of the highest average life expectancies worldwide. However, paired with a declining fertility rate, this leads to a demographic shift in the country. Accordingly, the aging population is facing more age-related health issues while the overall number of deaths keeps rising. The aging of the population also causes further issues such as labor shortages in several industries, including the healthcare sector, as well as an increasing number of patients in need of long-term care and support. The demographic development will evoke pressure on governmental spending but also bring opportunities for service providers and related industries. Cancer remains the leading cause of death Next to malignant neoplasms, several other types of cancer, such as stomach, pancreas, and colon cancer, rank among the leading causes of death in Japan. Even though the overall estimated number of cancer cases has been growing in Japan, the survival chances have been increasing significantly over the past decade.One of the reasons for the higher survival chances is the rising awareness around the topic, which leads Japanese people to use prevention measures such as cancer screening. Furthermore, there have been advances in the field of medical treatments and medication for cancer. Accordingly, oncology drugs were the pharmaceuticals with the highest production value recently.

In 2024, the share of the population in Taiwan aged 65 and older accounted for approximately 19.2 percent of the total population. While the share of old people on the island increased gradually over recent years, the percentage of the working-age population and the children have both declined. Taiwan’s aging population With one of the lowest fertility rates in the world and a steadily growing life expectancy, the average age of Taiwan’s population is increasing quickly, and the share of people aged 65 and above is expected to reach around 38.4 percent of the total population in 2050. This development is also reflected in Taiwan’s population pyramid, which shows that the size of the youngest age group is only half of the size of age groups between 40 and 60 years. The rapid aging of the populations puts a heavy burden on the social insurance system. Old-age dependency is expected to reach more than 70 percent by 2050, meaning that by then three people of working age will have to support two elders, compared to only one elder supported by four working people today. Aging societies in East Asia Today, many countries in East Asia have very low fertility rates and face the challenges of aging societies. This is especially true among those countries that experienced high economic growth in the past, which often resulted in quickly receding birth rates. Japan was one of the first East Asian countries witnessing this demographic change, as is reflected in its high median age. South Korea had the lowest fertility rate of all Asian countries in recent years, and with China, one of the largest populations on earth joined the ranks of quickly aging societies.

In 2024, ***** men and ***** women in Japan committed suicide due to health problems, making it the most common reason for committing suicide among the Japanese population. ******************************** represented another common contributing factor to suicide among men.

In 2023, approximately 3.4 million residents of foreign nationality were registered in Japan, making up below three percent of the population. The total number of foreign residents increased by almost 1.3 million in the last decade. Development of immigration to JapanExcept 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 Chinese immigrants overtook Koreans as the largest minority group in 2007. People from Vietnam were the strongest growing minority in the 2010s. Recent immigration reformDue to its demographic changes, Japan has a relatively low unemployment rate. As a consequence, a large share of companies reports 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 December 2018, the Japanese parliament passed a major immigration reform that became enacted in April 2019. 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.

In 2024, Japan had an average inflation rate estimated at 2.74 percent, marking the highest rate of inflation in Japan in almost a decade. However, this figure was still very low compared to most other major economies, such as Japan's fellow G7 members, four of which had inflation rates around six or seven percent in 2023 due to the global inflation crisis. Why is Japan's inflation rate lower? There are a number of contributing factors to Japan's relatively low inflation rate, even during economic crises. Japan eased its Covid restrictions more slowly than most other major economies, this prevented post-pandemic consumer spending that may have driven inflation through supply chain issues caused by higher demand. As the majority of Japan's food and energy comes from overseas, and has done so for decades, the government has mechanisms in place to prevent energy and wheat prices from rising too quickly. Because of this, Japan was able to shield its private sector from many of the negative knock on effects from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which had a significant impact on both sectors globally. Persistent deflation and national debt An additional factor that has eased the impact of inflation on Japan's economy is the fact that it experienced deflation before the pandemic. Deflation has been a persistent problem in Japan since the asset price bubble burst in 1992, and has been symptomatic of Japan's staggering national debt thereafter. For almost 30 years, a combination of quantitative easing, low interest rates (below 0.5 percent since 1995, and at -0.1% since 2016), and a lack of spending due to low wages and an aging population have combined to give Japan the highest national debt in the world in absolute terms, and second-highest debt in relation to its GDP, after Venezuela. Despite this soaring debt, Japan remains the fourth-largest economy in the world, behind the U.S., China, and Germany.