Japan’s preliminary 2025 census data shows the country’s population falls by about 2.5% over the last five years, marking the steepest decline since nationwide census records began in 1920. Multiple outlets report that Japan’s population drops by more than 3 million people since the previous census conducted in 2020. The figures also indicate this is the third consecutive five-year decline in the nationwide survey, underscoring the continuing impact of demographic change. The reports describe Japan as facing accelerating long-term challenges linked to low birthrates and aging, reflected in the shrinking headcount. While the outlets vary slightly in how they frame the decline—some citing a 2.5% contraction and others emphasizing the loss of over 3 million people—all point to the same underlying official census tally released in 2025. Overall, the preliminary results reinforce that Japan’s population trend remains firmly downward, with no reversal indicated in the early data.