Japan’s Share of Residents Aged 65 and Over Hits Record 29.4%

People aged 65 and over now account for a record 29.4% of Japan’s population, according to the final results of the country’s 2025 census.

The figures, announced Tuesday, show that older residents make up nearly three in every 10 people in Japan.

The record share underscores the growing weight of older generations in the country’s demographic makeup. The percentage measures their share of the total population, rather than the number of older residents alone.

The findings put Japan’s ageing population in focus, with implications for long-term planning in areas such as healthcare, pensions and support for older people.