Japan continues to rank among the world’s longest-living nations, with 2023 data showing an average life expectancy of 81.09 years for men and 87.14 for women, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. While data collection methods vary by country, the numbers clearly show Japan at the top.

Here’s how other countries compare:
・South Korea (2022): 79.9 (men), 85.6 (women)
・Taiwan (2023): 76.94 (men), 83.74 (women)
・China (2024, combined): 79 years
・United States (2022): 74.8 (men), 80.2 (women)

Japan’s impressive longevity is often credited to its strong healthcare system and healthy eating habits. The traditional diet is low in fat and rich in fish, tofu, natto, and miso. Green tea is also widely consumed, offering antioxidants like vitamin C and catechins that help protect against heart disease and cancer.

Countries like Switzerland, Spain, and Australia—also known for long life expectancy—share similar advantages, including quality healthcare, nutritious diets, and supportive social environments.

Sources:
・Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “2023 Abridged Life Table”
・Japan Foundation for Aging and Health

The average height of 17-year-olds in Japan (high school seniors) is 170.8 cm for boys and 157.9 cm for girls, with an average weight of 62.5 kg and 52.9 kg, respectively.

This may be taller than many expect. In 1950, the average height was 160.3 cm for men and 148.9 cm for women, showing that Japanese people have become significantly taller over the past 70 years. Weight peaked between 1988 and 2006, then began a gradual decline, likely influenced by Japan’s strong cultural preference for slimness and widespread focus on dieting.

Sources:
・Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, “2022 School Health Survey”

In 2024, Japan’s total fertility rate dropped to 1.26 children per woman. Tokyo saw the steepest decline, falling to just 0.96, marking the second consecutive year below 1.0. Okinawa remains the highest at 1.54, though it too is showing a downward trend compared to previous years.

By age group, the highest birthrates are among women in their 30s. The average age for a woman having her first child is now 31.0 (as of 2023), reflecting a trend toward later marriage as more women enter the workforce. Japan’s natural population shrank by 919,237 people in 2024, continuing an 18-year streak of more deaths than births. In response, the government is rolling out various policies to combat the ongoing decline.

Sources:
・Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “Vital Statistics”
・Cabinet Office, “Birthrates Around the World”

In 2024, the average monthly salary for regular employees in Japan (excluding part-time workers) was 350,900 yen for men and 269,700 yen for women. While wages for both men and women continue to rise, the gender pay gap remains substantial.

By company size, men working at large corporations (1,000+ employees) earn close to 400,000 yen per month. Those at mid-sized firms (100–999 employees) average between 320,000 and 350,000 yen, while salaries at smaller companies (10–99 employees) range from 290,000 to 310,000 yen.

In 2024, the average hourly wage for part-time or short-term workers in Japan was 1,466 yen for men (approx. 9.69 USD) and 1,399 yen for women (approx. 9.24 USD). Tokyo’s minimum wage rose to 1,163 yen (7.69 USD) in October 2024, while night shifts often offer 1,500 yen (9.91 USD) or more per hour.

Regarding bonuses, men at large companies with over 1,000 employees earned an average annual bonus of 1.32 million yen (8,726 USD). In mid-sized firms (100–999 employees), the average was around 900,000 yen (5,944 USD). Overall, men received an average bonus of about 1.1 million yen (7,272 USD), while women received around 700,000 yen (4,626 USD). The gender income gap remains wide, largely due to the higher number of men in executive and management roles.

Source:
・Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “Basic Survey on Wage Structure”

Looking at Japan demographics alone can tell you quite a bit about the country! Surely, some things don’t surprise you at all while others come as a shock, both good and bad. In any case, there’s much and more to learn and cranking numbers can be unexpectedly fun!

Do these real-life averages in Japan match what you expected, or did they surprise you?