The line graph illustrates the percentage of population by three age groups in Japan, beginning in 1960 and with a forecast to 2040. Overall, while the proportion of senior citizens increased considerably, the reverse was true for the youngest population. Notably, the share of middle-aged group consistently lead the chart, despite a relative decline.
Focusing on increases first, the percentage of 65+ age group started at the lowest point with 5% approximately in 1960 and remained stable within a decade. From 1970, the share of oldest people rose significantly to reach a peak of 30% in 2020. According to a forecast, the share of old citizens will be unchanged for a decade and an increase will be observed by 5 percentage points in 2040.
By contrast, the proportion of 0-14 age category showed a huge decline from 30% in 1960 to 15% in 2020, despite fluctuations between 1970 and 2000. Regarding the middle-aged group (25-64 years old), the share of population started at roughly 65% ,after which it grew by 5 percentage points in 1970 and remained almost the same level until 2000. Then, the proportion of this figure began a gradual fall, reaching 60% in 2020. Lastly, the share of middle-aged group will continue in a declining position until 2030, a figure that then is projected to grow negligibly.