Examining the Population of Japan and its Structure

Japan has long been one of the most fascinating countries in East Asia. Its rich culture, innovative economy, and unique population have made it one of the hottest tourist and business destinations. To understand the population of Japan and its structure, one must first look at its past.

Japan, a nation of over 126 million people, has had a long, tumultuous history. After being closed to the world during the feudal era, it opened its doors to Westerners in the mid 19th century. As a result of its contact with the West, Japan went through a period of rapid modernization and industrialization. It also embraced heavily Confucian influence and adopted many of its traditions and values.

Japan's population increased throughout the 20th century, reaching a peak of around 127 million people in 2005. Over the past decade, however, the country's population has decreased due to a variety of factors, including a low birth rate, an aging population, and a generally stagnant economy. In 2016, Japan's population was estimated to be at approximately 126.1 million people.
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Since Japan is a nation of islands, the majority of its population is concentrated in the main islands of Hokkaido and Honshu. Approximately 73% of the population lives in urban areas, most of which are located in the Kantō region, which is made up of the Tokyo metropolitan area and surrounding prefectures.

The Japanese population is divided into distinct ethnic groups, with the majority of the population being of Japanese descent. The remaining ethnic groups are mostly comprised of Burakumin, an indigineous minority group; Ainu, an indigenous minority group that is concentrated in the northern island of Hokkaido; Okinawans, a group of people with origins in the Ryukyu Islands in Japan; and immigrants from other countries.
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Japan also has a high foreigners population, estimated to be roughly 2.1 million people. Most of these foreigners come from South Korea, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brazil. Foreigners account for nearly 2% of the population of Japan, and are heavily concentrated in certain areas, such as the Tokyo metropolitan area and western prefectures.

When it comes to religion, the majority of the population of Japan identifies as Shinto or Buddhist, with a small percentage of the population also identifying as Christian. Shinto is a polytheistic faith that is deeply rooted in Japan's ancient traditions, while Buddhism is a more modernized interpretation of Buddhist philosophy.

Overall, Japan's population is characterized by an aging population, low birth rate, largely homogenuous composition, and a notable presence of foreigners. Factors such as economic stagnation, a high cost of living, and a low fertility rate have resulted in a general decline in the Japanese population in recent years.