Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Japan’s Population Declines Below 120 Million, AI Matchmaking Trial Begins
Japan’s number of people living in the country dropped to about 120 million for the first time in 42 years.
Even though many foreigners live there, the total still fell because fewer babies are born.
The country’s fertility rate is only 1.14 children per woman, far below the 2.1 needed to keep the population steady.
To help people find partners and maybe have more children, Tokyo started a computer‑powered dating service called TOKYO Enmusubi.
By June 2026, 16,000 people were using it and 760 couples had started serious relationships.
Japan’s citizen population fell to 119.74 million on Jan 1 2026, the first time below 120 million in 42 years.
Total population including foreigners is 123.8 million, with foreign residents at a record high since 2013.
Fertility rate dropped to 1.14 children per woman in 2025, the lowest since 1899.
Tokyo launched AI matchmaking platform TOKYO Enmusubi in Sept 2024; it now has 16,000 members and 760 couples formed.
The demographic crisis fuels labor shortages, rising pension and healthcare costs, and a shrinking taxpayer base.
- Who
- Japanese citizens, foreign residents, Tokyo metropolitan government
- What
- Japan’s population fell below 120 million; Tokyo launched an AI matchmaking platform
- When
- Population data: Jan 1 2026; fertility data: 2025; TOKYO Enmusubi launched: Sept 2024
- Where
- Japan, Tokyo
- Why
- Aging society, low birth rates, labor shortages, rising pension and healthcare costs
- Citizen Population (Jan 1 2026)
- 119.74 million
- Total Population (incl. foreigners)
- 123.8 million
- Fertility Rate (2025)
- 1.14 children per woman
- TOKYO Enmusubi Members
- 16,000
- Couples Formed
- 760