Key Facts About Japan

Anke Corbin

The information on this page was current at the time it was published. Regulations, trends, statistics, and other information are constantly changing. While we strive to update our Knowledge Base, we strongly suggest you use these pages as a general guide and be sure to verify any regulations, statistics, guidelines, or other information that are important to your efforts.

Facts You Should Know about Japan

This section offers a concise introduction to Japan, designed to assist you in your initial acclimation. We are committed to continually expanding this resource to meet your evolving needs. If you require information that is not currently available, please do not hesitate to contact us at hello@globig.co. We will promptly respond to your inquiry and update the content accordingly.

Conventional Long Form Name of Japan: Japan
Local Conventional Short Form Names of Japan: Nihon (日本), Nippon (日本)
Japan Internet Country Code: .jp
Japan Capital: Tokyo
People in the Japan are called: Japanese
Official Language(s) of Japan: Japanese.
Japan Total Population: Approximately 123,201,945 .Japanese 97.5%, Chinese 0.6%, Vietnam 0.4%, South Korean 0.3%, other 1.2% (includes Filipino, Brazilian, Nepalese, Indonesian, American, and Taiwanese) (2022 est.)
Japan Urban Population: 92% of total population (2023).
Japan Major Urban Areas: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Yokohama, Kyoto
Japan Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Japan Currency Symbol: ¥
Japan Thousands Separator (comma) and Decimal Mark (dot): 1,234.56
Japan Clock: 24-hour clock (e.g., 15:00 for 3 PM)
Japan Date format: Year-Month-Day (e.g., 2023-05-12)
Time Zones for Standard Time (ST) and Daylight Savings Time (DST): Japan Standard Time (JST), UTC+9; Daylight Savings Time is not observed in Japan.
Japan Phone Number Country Code: +81
Japan Landline Phone Number Format: Area code (3 digits) – local number (4-7 digits)
Japan Cell Phone Number Format: 090, 080, or 070 – 4-digit number
Japan Standard Work Week: Typically Monday to Friday, with average working hours around 40-45 hours per week.
Japan Annual Leave : Employees are generally entitled to at least 10 days of paid annual leave.
Japan National Holiday: Japan has 16 national holidays throughout the year, including: New Year’s Day (January 1) Coming-of-Age Day (Third Monday of January) National Foundation Day (February 23) The Emperor’s Birthday (February 23) Vernal Equinox Day (Around March 21) Showa Day (April 29) Constitution Day (May 3) Greenery Day (May 4) Children’s Day (May 5) Marine Day (Third Monday of July) Mountain Day (August 11) Respect for the Aged Day (Third Monday of September) Autumnal Equinox Day (Around September 23) Sports Day (Second Monday of October) Culture Day (November 3) Labor Thanksgiving Day (November 23)
Japan Voting Age: 18 years old
Japan Drinking Age: 20 years old (according to the Liquor Tax Law)
Smoking in Japan: Smoking is increasingly restricted in public places, with many businesses and public transportation areas becoming smoke-free. Additionally, the legal smoking age in Japan is 20.
Japan Location and Geography: Japan is an archipelago of islands located in East Asia, bordering the Sea of Japan to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. It is known for its mountainous terrain, frequent earthquakes, and active volcanoes.
Japan National Symbol(s): While the chrysanthemum flower is often associated with the Imperial Family and Japan, it is not officially the national symbol. Japan does not have an officially designated national symbol.
Japan National colors: Red and white.
Japan Government and Political System: Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The Emperor serves as the head of state, symbolizing the nation and performing ceremonial duties. The monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister. The Prime Minister is the head of government and holds the executive power.
Japan Head of State: Emperor Naruhito. He ascended to the throne on May 1, 2019, following the abdication of his father, Emperor Akihito.
Japan Election Tenure: The House of Representatives (lower house) is elected every 4 years, while the House of Councillors (upper house) is elected every 3 years. However, the Prime Minister can dissolve the House of Representatives at any time, triggering a snap election.
The Japan Constitution: The Constitution of Japan was enacted in 1946 and outlines the fundamental principles of the country’s government and society.
Japan Legal System: Japan’s legal system is based on civil law principles, which emphasize codified laws and a hierarchical structure. This system is characterized by a strong emphasis on formality, respect for authority, and adherence to established procedures..
Japan Climate: Japan experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons, including hot and humid summers and cold winters. Temperatures vary significantly across the country, with colder winters in northern regions and warmer summers in southern regions. The country is prone to natural disasters, such as typhoons and earthquakes.
Japan Natural Resources: Japan is a resource-poor country, with limited natural resources such as coal, copper, and zinc. The country relies heavily on imports for energy and raw materials.
Religion in Japan: Shintoism 48.6%, Buddhism 46.4%, Christianity 1.1%, other 4% (2021 est.) Shinto and Buddhism are the two major religions in Japan, according to the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan. While there is a significant Christian minority, these two religions have had a profound influence on Japanese culture and society for centuries. However, most Japanese people identify as non-religious or secular in daily life, while still engaging in traditional ceremonies and rituals.

Japan’s Female Population: Key Facts and Figures

Japan’s female population was estimated at around 63.95 million as of 2023. Despite this, the country has historically struggled with gender inequality, particularly in the workforce. However, recent government initiatives and cultural shifts are driving change, encouraging greater female participation in the labor market. Japan’s aging population and declining birth rates have also influenced policies aimed at increasing women’s involvement in various sectors of the economy.

Key Japan Female Population Insights and Statistics:

Workforce Participation : According to Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the female labor force participation rate reached 74% in 2022, up from 63% in 2012. This increase has been driven by government efforts to close the gender gap and address the country’s shrinking workforce.
Gender Pay Gap : Despite improvements, Japan still has one of the largest gender pay gaps among developed nations. As of 2022, women in Japan earned approximately 21% less than men, according to OECD data. This disparity highlights the challenge of achieving workplace equality.
Women in Leadership : Female representation in leadership positions remains low with only 15% of managerial positions held by women in 2021. The Japanese government’s “Womenomics” initiative, introduced by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, aims to increase this number, though progress has been slow.
Childcare Access and Work-Life Balance : Access to affordable child care remains a barrier for many working women. The government has increased investment in childcare services, but long waiting lists for nursery schools continue to limit female workforce participation. In response, many companies have started offering flexible work arrangements to accommodate working mothers.

How Japan’s Female Population Impacts Business Expansion

Growing Economic Power of Women : As more women enter the workforce and earn disposable income, they are becoming a critical consumer base. Companies in industries like retail, fashion, healthcare, and personal finance must consider the preferences and needs of female consumers when designing products and services. For instance, the rise of women in the workforce has led to increased demand for convenience-oriented products such as prepared meals, time-saving household appliances, and childcare services.
Womenomics and Workforce Policies : Japan’s government has implemented a range of policies to promote gender equality and enhance female workforce participation. The “Act on Promotion of Women’s Participation and Advancement in the Workplace” requires companies with over 300 employees to set targets for hiring women and supporting their career advancement. Businesses expanding into Japan should align with these initiatives by promoting diversity and inclusion in hiring, management, and organizational culture.
Leadership and Talent Development : Increasing female participation in management and leadership positions can provide businesses with diverse perspectives and foster innovation. Companies entering Japan should actively promote gender equality in their hiring practices and leadership development programs. Global firms like Unilever and Procter & Gamble have successfully implemented gender diversity strategies in Japan, leading to greater innovation and market penetration.
Work-Life Balance Solutions : As more women balance careers and family life, businesses offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work, parental leave, and flexible hours, will gain an edge in recruiting and retaining female talent. Global companies that adapt to Japan’s work-life balance challenges can better attract skilled female professionals, especially in sectors like technology, education, and healthcare.
Consumer and Brand Appeal : The purchasing power of women in Japan is considerable, especially as more women join the workforce and attain financial independence. Brands targeting female consumers must understand their needs and preferences. For example, companies offering beauty, fashion, or wellness products can tap into this market by creating products that cater to modern Japanese women’s lifestyles.

Businesses like Unilever have implemented flexible work policies aimed at promoting work-life balance and supporting female employees. Their initiative, “WAA: Work from Anywhere, Anytime,” allows employees to work remotely and flexibly. This strategy has helped Unilever attract and retain more female talent in a competitive market.

P&G has also made significant efforts to promote gender diversity and has increased female representation in leadership roles. Their focus on creating a family-friendly work environment has contributed to higher employee satisfaction and productivity, positioning the company as a leader in workplace gender equality in Japan.

Why Understanding Japan’s Female Population Matters for Business Expansion

Workforce Availability : With Japan’s shrinking workforce, increasing the participation of women is critical to meeting labor demands. Businesses that adopt policies supporting female employees will have access to a larger talent pool and can enhance their operational resilience.
Consumer Preferences : Women play a significant role in household purchasing decisions. Understanding their needs and preferences is vital for businesses in sectors such as retail, healthcare, and financial services. Products and services that address time-saving, wellness, and family needs are likely to succeed in the Japanese market.
Cultural Alignment : Companies that show genuine commitment to gender equality and diversity will resonate more with the local workforce and consumers. Aligning business practices with Japan’s evolving social policies, such as “Womenomics,” can enhance a company’s brand image and market acceptance.

While Japan has made progress in promoting gender equality, challenges such as the gender pay gap, limited childcare options, and cultural expectations around gender roles remain. Companies that can address these challenges through innovative solutions, such as flexible work environments, leadership training for women, and family-friendly policies, will position themselves as attractive employers and partners in the Japanese market.

By understanding the dynamics of Japan’s female population and the opportunities it presents, businesses can craft targeted strategies that drive expansion and success in the Japanese market.

Population by Age in Japan

Japan’s population is known for being one of the oldest in the world, a trend driven by low birth rates and high life expectancy. According to the Statistics Bureau of Japan, as of 2022, over 29% of Japan’s population is aged 65 or older, and this percentage is expected to continue rising. By contrast, only about 12% of the population is under 14 years old, reflecting a demographic imbalance that poses both challenges and opportunities for businesses.

How Population by Age in Japan Affects Business Expansion

Labor Shortage and Talent Acquisition : With a rapidly aging population, Japan faces labor shortages in many industries, especially manufacturing, healthcare, and construction. This presents both challenges and opportunities for companies looking to expand. Businesses will need to innovate in terms of automation, robotics, and AI to reduce reliance on human labor. Alternatively, firms may consider attracting younger, foreign talent to fill labor gaps through recruitment and strategic partnerships.
As an example, the robotics and AI industries in Japan are booming as companies like SoftBank and Fanuc focus on creating automation solutions to offset the workforce shortage. This demand for automation technology also presents opportunities for international companies to enter the Japanese market with innovative solutions.
Healthcare and Elderly Services : Japan’s aging population creates significant demand for healthcare, senior care, and related services. Companies in the healthcare sector, pharmaceutical companies, and those providing elderly care solutions can find ample opportunities to expand in Japan. Products and services tailored to an older demographic, such as healthcare technology, nursing homes, and wellness products, are in high demand.
Pharmaceutical companies have seen increased success by focusing on drugs and treatments related to age-associated conditions such as dementia, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases. There is also a rising demand for home healthcare services and assistive technologies for the elderly.
Consumer Spending Patterns : Older consumers tend to have different spending habits compared to younger generations. Japan’s elderly population is financially stable, with many retirees having saved wealth over time. Businesses focusing on this demographic should consider products and services that appeal to their needs, such as travel, healthcare, financial services, and luxury goods.
Travel agencies offering senior-friendly tours and cruises have flourished as older Japanese citizens look to spend their retirement years on leisure activities. Similarly, companies offering financial services tailored to retirement planning and senior needs have capitalized on this trend.
Innovation in Childcare and Education : While Japan’s younger population is shrinking, the need for innovative childcare and educational services remains. Businesses that offer technology-enabled solutions for early childhood education, or family-friendly products and services, can fill a gap in the market. Companies in the tech and edtech space have the opportunity to provide innovative products like educational apps, online learning platforms, or robotics for children.
Foreign Worker Integration : Japan has traditionally been resistant to high levels of immigration, but due to the labor shortage, the government has introduced policies that allow more foreign workers, especially in healthcare, construction, and agriculture. Companies planning to expand into Japan may benefit by hiring foreign workers, especially for roles in labor-intensive industries, or by forming partnerships with recruitment agencies to source skilled foreign talent.

Why Understanding Population by Age in Japan Matters for Business Expansion

Workforce Planning : Businesses must account for the shrinking and aging workforce by investing in technology, automation, and foreign talent. An understanding of the population age structure helps companies strategically align their hiring, operational, and investment plans.
Consumer Targeting : The older population represents a large, affluent consumer base. Businesses that tailor their products, marketing strategies, and customer service to meet the needs of elderly consumers will find greater success in the Japanese market.
Healthcare and Services: The aging demographic drives significant demand for healthcare, wellness, and elderly services. Businesses in these industries should prioritize Japan as a growth market due to the rising demand for senior care products and services.

Understanding Japan’s population by age allows businesses to strategically plan their expansion, adapt to labor shortages, and capitalize on emerging sectors, particularly healthcare and automation.

Aging and Gender in Japan

Japan is known for its aging population, with more than 29% of its citizens aged 65 or older as of 2023, making it one of the world’s most aged societies. The country’s demographic trends show not only a rapidly aging population but also distinct gender differences, particularly in terms of life expectancy and workforce participation. These factors are crucial for businesses expanding into Japan, as they influence labor markets, consumer behavior, and service demands.

Key Insights and Statistics:

Life Expectancy Differences : Women in Japan live longer than men. As of 2021, the life expectancy for women is around 87 years, while for men it is approximately 81 years. This longevity leads to a higher proportion of elderly women compared to men, particularly among the very old (80+ years).
Female-Dominated Elderly Population : Among the elderly population, particularly those aged 75 and older, women outnumber men significantly. As of 2023, women account for more than 50% of the population aged 65 and older. This imbalance becomes more pronounced in the 80+ age group.
Workforce Participation : Although Japan’s female labor force participation has risen in recent years, the aging of the population combined with gender disparities in career advancement and pay still affects the workforce. Women make up a significant portion of part-time workers and are underrepresented in leadership positions, with only about 15% of managerial roles held by women in 2023.

How Aging and Gender Trends Affect Business Expansion in Japan

Healthcare and Elderly Services : The aging population, especially the higher number of elderly women, creates significant demand for healthcare, eldercare, and medical services. Businesses in these sectors—whether in pharmaceuticals, healthcare technology, or eldercare services—have vast opportunities for growth. Companies offering products or services related to elderly care, such as assistive technologies, home healthcare, and wellness products, will find a large, steady consumer base in Japan.
Sompo Holdings, a major insurance company in Japan, expanded into eldercare services, recognizing the growing need for long-term care solutions for the elderly, especially women, who typically live longer and require more extensive care.
Workforce Solutions and Gender Inclusion : The aging population, combined with a shrinking labor force, presents significant challenges for businesses. Companies that implement policies to attract and retain female workers, especially older women or those returning to the workforce, can gain a competitive edge. Flexible work arrangements, re-skilling programs, and leadership opportunities for women can help address labor shortages.
Consumer Behavior and Spending Patterns : Older women, particularly those who live longer and control household finances, represent a powerful consumer group. They are more likely to spend on healthcare, wellness, beauty products, and leisure activities. Companies targeting this demographic with products tailored to senior women, such as specialized healthcare products, anti-aging cosmetics, or travel packages for seniors, can tap into a lucrative market.
Kao, a Japanese consumer goods company, expanded its product offerings to include skincare and beauty products tailored specifically for older women. Recognizing that older women have unique skin care needs, Kao launched anti-aging beauty lines, which became popular among Japan’s elderly female consumers.
Retirement Planning and Financial Services : With more elderly women outliving their spouses, there is growing demand for financial services that cater to long-term retirement planning, wealth management, and inheritance solutions. Companies in the financial services industry, especially those offering tailored products for elderly women, will find a receptive market in Japan.
Gender and Aging in Workplace Culture : Japan’s societal and corporate culture has traditionally made it difficult for women to pursue long-term careers, with many women leaving the workforce after having children. However, companies that adapt to these cultural trends by supporting women’s careers throughout their lifespan—such as offering re-entry programs for women returning to work after raising children—can gain access to a broader and more diverse talent pool.

Why Understanding Aging and Gender in Japan Matters for Business Expansion

While Japan’s aging population and gender disparities present challenges for labor market sustainability and economic growth, they also open up significant business opportunities, particularly in healthcare, senior care, and financial services. Companies that are forward-thinking and invest in gender-inclusive policies, eldercare solutions, and products for aging consumers can capitalize on these demographic shifts.

Understanding the interplay of aging and gender in Japan allows businesses to align their strategies with demographic trends, ensuring sustainable growth in the country’s unique market.

References

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