The median age of Japan's population has surpassed 50 for the first time, the Nikkei reported on November 3.

This means that more than half of the population is now 50 years old or older.

The median age represents the age of the person in the exact middle when the entire population is lined up in order of age.

According to Japan's 2025 census, the country's median age stood at 50.5, up 2 years from 48.5 in the previous census conducted in 2020.

Aging is particularly severe in regional areas; while the capital Tokyo recorded a median age of 46.2, Akita Prefecture reached 57.8.

The median age, which was 30.6 in 1975, has risen by nearly 20 years over the span of half a century.

The "population" in these statistics includes foreign residents living in Japan. Looking solely at Japanese nationals, the median age is even higher at 51.1.

The Nikkei explained that 50 years ago, when a "retirement age of 55" was common, anyone over 30 was classified as an "older person," but now those just over 50 are considered part of the "younger generation."

As a super-aged society, Japan's median age is among the highest in the world.

According to the United Nations World Population Prospects for 2024, the median ages for the United States and the United Kingdom were 38.5 and 40.1, respectively.

There was a stark difference with India at 28.8 and Nigeria at 18.1.

In South Korea, according to future population projections by the national data agency, the median age was estimated at 46.7 last year.

Although lower than Japan, it is expected to exceed 50 by 2031.

The Nikkei emphasized that it is important to create ways for anyone to live healthily and thrive without being bound by conventional notions of age. It noted the need to foster an environment where people can easily continue working with motivation even as they age, while also organizing care and medical systems to support the elderly.

The newspaper added that the proportion of children under 15 among the total population stands at an all-time low of 10.9%, stressing the importance of improving employment stability, reforming practices such as long working hours, and making it easier for both men and women to balance work and childcare.

(Photo: Yonhap News)