Japan Population 2026: 125.7M People, High Density
Japan is more densely populated than most countries in East Asia: 125.7M people across 377,975 km², giving a density of 333/km².
GDP per capita stands at $33,800: placing it among the world's wealthiest nations per person. The capital, Tokyo, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Japan's Population
With a population of 125.7M, Japan is home to a significant number of people within its 377,975 km² of territory. The population density of 333/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a relatively high density, indicating an urbanised or geographically small country.
The capital city, Tokyo, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Japan. Japan has a coastline of 29,751 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Japan has a total GDP of $4.23T, translating to $33,800 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Yen (¥).
Japan gained independence in 660 BCE and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Japanese, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the East Asia region, Japan sits alongside China (1.41B), South Korea (51.7M), Mongolia (3.4M). This regional context helps illustrate how Japan's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Japan's Population
What is the population of Japan in 2026?
The population of Japan is approximately 125.7M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Japan?
The capital city of Japan is Tokyo, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Japan?
Japan has a population density of 333/km². This is considered high, one of the more densely populated countries in its region.
What is the GDP per capita of Japan?
Japan has a GDP per capita of $33,800, with a total GDP of $4.23T. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Japan?
The official language of Japan is Japanese.
How big is Japan?
Japan covers a total area of 377,975 km². With a population of 125.7M, that gives a density of 333/km².
When did Japan gain independence?
Japan gained independence in 660 BCE.
What currency is used in Japan?
The official currency of Japan is the Yen (¥).
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