The number of Japanese residents in China has dipped below 100,000 for the first time in two decades, according to the latest data from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As of October 1, 2024, there were 97,538 Japanese nationals residing in China for three or more months. This represents a significant decline in the Japanese population in China, which has halved over the past decade and continues to shrink at an annual rate of 4%. This is the twelfth consecutive year of decline.
China hosts the third-largest overseas Japanese community, surpassed only by the U.S. and Australia. However, the steady decrease in Japanese residents has been attributed to a mix of economic and political factors. Rising wages and increasing political risks have been cited as primary reasons driving both individuals and corporations to reconsider their presence in China. Notably, the Japanese population in Dalian has been significantly affected by these challenges, alongside the lingering impacts of COVID-19.
Japanese companies operating in China are also feeling the impact of these economic shifts. The rising cost of labor and geopolitical tensions have prompted many businesses to reassess their strategies and possibly relocate operations. This corporate movement is likely contributing to the decline in Japanese nationals residing in the country long-term.
The decline in Japanese residents is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader trend that has persisted for over a decade. Each year since 2012 has seen a reduction in numbers, reflecting a complex interplay of economic conditions and political dynamics that continue to influence migration patterns.
Leave a Reply