Japan Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Japan's net migration was 140,579 in 2025, ranked 207th globally. This represents a 8.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Japan's net migration stood at 140,579 in 2025, a decline of +12,778 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 220,640 by 2026. Japan ranked 207th globally.
Japan's net migration has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 66 years, with a notable peak of 322,564.00 in 2017 and a trough of -288,550.00 in 1982. In comparison to its peer countries, Japan's current net migration of 140,579.00 ranks lower than Australia's 137,109.00. The increase in net migration since the trough in 1982 can be attributed to various factors, including a growing economy and a shift in demographic trends. However, the current trend appears to be stabilizing, as the 2025 figure is significantly lower than the 2017 peak. Historical data suggests that Japan's net migration is sensitive to changes in its economic conditions, and a decline in the growth rate or an increase in unemployment could potentially alter the trajectory of net migration in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 286,541 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 253,591 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 220,640 | - | - |
| 2025 | 140,579 | −12,778 | #207 |
| 2024 | 153,357 | −21,646 | #204 |
| 2023 | 175,003 | +0 | #202 |
| 2022 | 175,003 | +209,999 | #194 |
| 2021 | -34,996 | −76,997 | #22 |
| 2020 | 42,001 | −276,189 | #188 |
| 2019 | 318,190 | −2,411 | #207 |
| 2018 | 320,601 | −1,963 | #207 |
| 2017 | 322,564 | +7,832 | #207 |
| 2016 | 314,732 | +145,836 | #208 |
| 2015 | 168,896 | +110,787 | #200 |
| 2014 | 58,109 | −8,340 | #191 |
| 2013 | 66,449 | −1,455 | #189 |
| 2012 | 67,904 | −29,816 | #189 |
| 2011 | 97,720 | −34,140 | #197 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Japan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2004. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Japan's net migration was 140,579 in 2025. Ranked 207th globally. This represents a 8.3% decrease from the previous year.
Japan's net migration peaked at 322,564 in 2017.
The lowest net migration in Japan was -288,550 in 1982.
Japan ranks 207th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Japan's net migration is projected to reach 220,640 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Japan in 2025 was 140,579. This ranks 207th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_japan_net-migration,
title = {Japan Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/japan/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}