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Japan vs Brazil Population
Brazil overtook Japan in 1978. In 1960 Japan stood at roughly 129% of Brazil’s Population; today the figure is about 58%, and the pair was closest in 1978 (99%).
| Year | Japan | Brazil | Brazil as % of Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 72,388,126 | 93,216,000 | 129% |
| 1970 | 95,375,651 | 103,403,000 | 108% |
| 1980 | 121,207,461 | 116,807,000 | 96% |
| 1990 | 149,143,223 | 123,478,000 | 83% |
| 2000 | 174,018,282 | 126,843,000 | 73% |
| 2010 | 193,701,929 | 128,070,000 | 66% |
| 2020 | 208,660,842 | 126,261,000 | 61% |
| 2025 | 212,812,405 | 123,366,734 | 58% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Brazil pass Japan in Population?
In 1978. Brazil’s published Population rose above Japan’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Japan and Brazil compare today?
Brazil is ahead: 212,812,405 against 123,366,734 — the trailing economy stands at about 58% 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: