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Germany vs Japan Population
Japan has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 Germany stood at roughly 78% of Japan’s Population; today the figure is about 68%.
| Year | Germany | Japan | Japan as % of Germany |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 93,216,000 | 72,814,900 | 78% |
| 1970 | 103,403,000 | 78,169,289 | 76% |
| 1980 | 116,807,000 | 78,288,576 | 67% |
| 1990 | 123,478,000 | 79,433,029 | 64% |
| 2000 | 126,843,000 | 82,211,508 | 65% |
| 2010 | 128,070,000 | 81,776,930 | 64% |
| 2020 | 126,261,000 | 83,160,871 | 66% |
| 2025 | 123,366,734 | 83,491,249 | 68% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Japan pass Germany in Population?
It has not come to that. Japan has held the larger Population in every published year (1960–2025).
How do Germany and Japan compare today?
Japan is ahead: 123,366,734 against 83,491,249 — the trailing economy stands at about 68% of the leader.
Are these Population figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — people — 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: