The line graph illustrates the percentage of Japan’s population in three different age groups since 1960 with projections until 2040.
Overall, it is evident that the proportion of people aged 0-14 and 15-64 exhibits a downward trend while the opposite was true for those aged 65 and over. In addition, the 15-64 age group consistently accounts for the largest population during the period shown.
In 1960, the middle age group (15-64) made up roughly 65% of the Japanese population, after which it experienced a brief period of volatility until 2020, ranging from 60% to 70%. The figure is predicted to slightly dip to 55% by 2030 and eventually constitute nearly 60% of the population by the end of the period. Similarly, the percentage of individuals aged 0-14, which commenced at precisely 30% in 1960, is estimated to gradually decline and hit a trough at 10% by 2040, making it the lowest segment.
Conversely, the rate of individuals aged 65 and above, had a much lower starting point, at merely 5%, where it experienced a steady but consistent increase and exceeded the 0-14 age group by 2010, indicating a major shift in Japanese age structure. Forecasts suggest that, by 2040, approximately 35% of the population will fall into this category.