For years, news reports and stories about Japan’s decreasing population have dominated many of the headlines, and it looks like that is going to continue. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications announced that for the 8th consecutive year, Japan’s total population, including foreigners, has decreased by a total of 263,000. This leaves total population at 126.44 million.

But the decreasing population is only part of the concern, as the individuals of working age, 15-64, has decreased by 512,000, leaving only 59.7% of the population in this group. The other 28.1% of the population is 65 years or older, and of this group the vast majority is over 70 years old! The remaining 12.2% of the population is 14 years old  or younger. Combined with a declining birth rate, the numbers keep looking grim for Japan’s economic development.

But even if this isn’t the best news for Japan, we can try and turn it into a positive. This means that Japan is in need of people of working age that want to help grow the country’s economics. So if you are looking to move to Japan to live and work, this might be one of the best times to do it, since they need the help!