With approximately 14 million inhabitants, Tokyo Prefecture was the largest prefecture based on population size in Japan as of 2023. The smallest prefecture in this regard was Tottori Prefecture, which in the same year counted about 540,000 residents.
Rural depopulation
Like many industrial economies, Japan is facing the problem of depopulating rural areas. While the birth rate continues to decline, many young people decide to migrate from small towns and villages to large cities like Tokyo or Osaka for higher education and employment. The population of Tokyo Prefecture has shown substantial growth over the past decades and consists largely of working age citizens. Smaller communities are trying to counteract the depopulation process with initiatives meant to invite younger workers and tourists back.
Migration to Japan
Japan is often described as a very homogenous society, with a low share of foreign residents. Despite the declining birthrate and many businesses experiencing a labor shortage, companies have been hesitant to employ foreign workers, in part due to the strict immigration laws. The Japanese Government has tried to ease immigration restrictions and encourage foreigners to work in Japan. The largest share of foreign workers in Japan, however, is residing in the county with a permanent residence or as the family member of a Japanese national.
Number of inhabitants in Japan in 2023, by prefecture
(in millions)
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Statistics Bureau of Japan. (November 22, 2024). Number of inhabitants in Japan in 2023, by prefecture (in millions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 21, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/610928/japan-population-by-prefecture/
Statistics Bureau of Japan. "Number of inhabitants in Japan in 2023, by prefecture (in millions)." Chart. November 22, 2024. Statista. Accessed December 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/610928/japan-population-by-prefecture/
Statistics Bureau of Japan. (2024). Number of inhabitants in Japan in 2023, by prefecture (in millions). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/610928/japan-population-by-prefecture/
Statistics Bureau of Japan. "Number of Inhabitants in Japan in 2023, by Prefecture (in Millions)." Statista, Statista Inc., 22 Nov 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/610928/japan-population-by-prefecture/
Statistics Bureau of Japan, Number of inhabitants in Japan in 2023, by prefecture (in millions) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/610928/japan-population-by-prefecture/ (last visited December 21, 2024)
Number of inhabitants in Japan in 2023, by prefecture (in millions) [Graph], Statistics Bureau of Japan, November 22, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/610928/japan-population-by-prefecture/