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Germany vs Japan GDP per capita
Germany overtook Japan in 1981. In 1960 Japan stood at roughly 45% of Germany’s GDP per capita; today the figure is about 59%, and the pair was closest in 1982 (100%).
| Year | Germany | Japan | Japan as % of Germany |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1,162.12 | 519.42 | 45% |
| 1970 | 2,771.28 | 2,144.99 | 77% |
| 1980 | 12,182.78 | 9,872.35 | 81% |
| 1990 | 22,385.68 | 26,344.73 | 118% |
| 2000 | 23,925.86 | 39,752.94 | 166% |
| 2010 | 42,396.97 | 45,378.14 | 107% |
| 2020 | 47,394.87 | 41,098.97 | 87% |
| 2025 | 60,496.44 | 35,951.04 | 59% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Germany pass Japan in GDP per capita?
In 1981. Germany’s published GDP per capita rose above Japan’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Germany and Japan compare today?
Germany is ahead: 60,496.44 against 35,951.04 — the trailing economy stands at about 59% of the leader.
Are these GDP per capita figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — current US$ — with no inflation restatement, no PPP conversion and no interpolation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: