Japan Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Japan's youth unemployment was 3.90% in 2025, ranked 19th globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Japan's youth unemployment stood at 3.90% in 2025, a decline of +0.03pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.58% by 2026. Japan ranked 19th globally.
Japan’s youth unemployment rate stands at 3.90 % in 2025, ranking nineteenth worldwide, and remains only marginally above the 2018 trough of 3.67 % after a steep decline from the all‑time peak of 10.20 % recorded in 2003. The dramatic fall from the early‑2000s reflects the combined impact of labor‑market reforms, demographic shifts and the expansion of non‑regular employment, while the modest rebound to just above three‑and‑a‑half percent suggests that recent policy measures, such as subsidies for hiring recent graduates and expanded vocational training, have helped sustain low youth joblessness. Compared with peer nations of similar rank, Japan’s rate is slightly higher than Kazakhstan’s 3.81 % and lower than Côte d’Ivoire’s 4.01 %, underscoring its relative resilience within a diverse global context. Continued emphasis on digital skill development and flexible work arrangements will be crucial to keep the downward trajectory and prevent a reversal amid evolving economic uncertainties.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 3.16% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 3.37% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 3.58% | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.90% | −0.03pp | #19 |
| 2024 | 3.93% | −0.19pp | #19 |
| 2023 | 4.12% | −0.32pp | #20 |
| 2022 | 4.43% | −0.27pp | #23 |
| 2021 | 4.71% | +0.03pp | #20 |
| 2020 | 4.68% | +0.74pp | #17 |
| 2019 | 3.94% | +0.27pp | #16 |
| 2018 | 3.67% | −0.94pp | #14 |
| 2017 | 4.61% | −0.51pp | #19 |
| 2016 | 5.12% | −0.35pp | #24 |
| 2015 | 5.47% | −0.83pp | #25 |
| 2014 | 6.30% | −0.51pp | #33 |
| 2013 | 6.81% | −1.43pp | #37 |
| 2012 | 8.24% | −0.09pp | #47 |
| 2011 | 8.33% | −1.14pp | #47 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Japan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2004. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Japan's youth unemployment was 3.90% in 2025. Ranked 19th globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from the previous year.
Japan's youth unemployment peaked at 10.20% in 2003.
The lowest youth unemployment in Japan was 3.67% in 2018.
Japan ranks 19th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Japan's youth unemployment is projected to reach 3.58% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Japan in 2025 was 3.90%. This ranks 19th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_japan_youth-unemployment,
title = {Japan Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/japan/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}