On 21st February, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication released population data as of 1st October 2004. The figures show that Japan's population stood at 127,687,000, a rise of only 67,000 compared to 2003, equivalent to a growth rate of 0.05% and the first time the rate has been below 0.1%.

However, the figures also show that the male population fell by 9,000, or 0.01%, the first fall in male population since WW II. The numbers show that the natural increase, i.e. births minus deaths, was 102,000, but there was social migration of 35,000.

It was suggested that this migration was salaried male workers sent overseas, thereby leading to a fall in the male population.

By age cohort, 0 to 14 years comprises 13.9% of the population, 15 to 64 years, 66.6%, and 65 years and over, 19.5%, the highest recorded for this age bracket. The figures continue the trend that started in 1975.

At this rate, Japan's population will peak in 2006 at 127,740,000.