Home / Comparisons / Germany vs Japan Life expectancy
Germany vs Japan Life expectancy
Japan overtook Germany in 1966. In 1960 Germany stood at roughly 102% of Japan’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 96%, and the pair was closest in 1965 (100%).
| Year | Germany | Japan | Japan as % of Germany |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 67.7 | 69.06 | 102% |
| 1970 | 71.92 | 70.45 | 98% |
| 1980 | 75.99 | 72.8 | 96% |
| 1990 | 78.84 | 75.09 | 95% |
| 2000 | 81.08 | 77.93 | 96% |
| 2010 | 82.84 | 79.99 | 97% |
| 2020 | 84.56 | 81.04 | 96% |
| 2024 | 84.04 | 80.79 | 96% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Japan pass Germany in Life expectancy?
In 1966. Japan’s published Life expectancy rose above Germany’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Germany and Japan compare today?
Japan is ahead: 84.04 against 80.79 — the trailing economy stands at about 96% of the leader.
Are these Life expectancy figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — years — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: