# R4 | z-ai/glm-5.2 | run 2

## Prompt

As of the most recent available estimate, what is the population of Japan, and is it increasing or decreasing? Give the figure and year, and cite sources.

## Response

As of July 1, 2026, Japan's total population was estimated at approximately **122.93 million**, a decrease of 440,000 people (0.35%) compared to the same month the previous year [stat.go.jp](https://www.stat.go.jp/data/jinsui/new.htm).

## Current Population Estimate

- **Date:** July 1, 2026 (Provisional estimate)
- **Total Population:** 122,930,000 (122.93 million)
- **Annual Change:** Decrease of 440,000 (▲0.35%) [stat.go.jp](https://www.stat.go.jp/data/jinsui/new.htm)

The population is decreasing. This provisional figure, published by the Statistics Bureau of Japan on July 21, 2026, continues a long-term trend of population decline [stat.go.jp](https://www.stat.go.jp/data/jinsui/new.htm). The preceding month's estimate (June 1, 2026) was 122.85 million, down 530,000 (0.43%) year-on-year [stat.go.jp](https://www.stat.go.jp/data/jinsui/pdf/202606.pdf).

Separately, the population of Japanese nationals living in Japan fell below 120 million for the first time in 42 years, standing at 119.74 million as of January 1, 2026, a 0.76% year-on-year decline [japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/30/japan/society/japan-population-fall/).

How does Japan's declining population compare to demographic trends in other major Asian economies?
