Key Facts
• On September 14, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs released population estimates.
• As of Respect for the Aged Day (September 15), 65+ population is 36.19 million.
• Elderly account for 29.4% of total population, highest among nations with 40M+ people.
• Elderly workforce reached 9.3 million, marking 21 consecutive years of growth.
• 1 in 7 workers in Japan is aged 65 or older.
• Male elderly population: 15.68 million; female: 20.51 million.
• Total elderly population decreased by 50,000 from the previous year.
• Decline attributed to fewer individuals newly turning 65.
• Revised Labor Safety and Health Act passed in May to improve workplace safety.
• High labor accident rates among elderly workers prompt urgent countermeasures.
• Challenges include housing and support for elderly living alone.
Summary
Japan’s elderly population has reached a record 29.4% of the total, with 36.19 million individuals aged 65 or older, according to government data released ahead of Respect for the Aged Day. The elderly workforce has grown for 21 consecutive years, now comprising 9.3 million people, or 1 in 7 workers. Despite this, the total elderly population declined by 50,000 due to fewer individuals reaching the age of 65. Workplace safety remains a critical issue, with new legislation introduced to address high accident rates among older workers. Broader challenges include housing and support for elderly individuals living alone.
