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Japan vs South Korea Population
Japan has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 South Korea stood at roughly 27% of Japan’s Population; today the figure is about 42%.
| Year | Japan | South Korea | South Korea as % of Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 93,216,000 | 25,012,374 | 27% |
| 1970 | 103,403,000 | 32,240,827 | 31% |
| 1980 | 116,807,000 | 38,123,775 | 33% |
| 1990 | 123,478,000 | 42,869,283 | 35% |
| 2000 | 126,843,000 | 47,008,111 | 37% |
| 2010 | 128,070,000 | 49,554,112 | 39% |
| 2020 | 126,261,000 | 51,836,239 | 41% |
| 2025 | 123,366,734 | 51,684,564 | 42% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Japan pass South Korea in Population?
It has not come to that. Japan has posted the larger Population in every published year (1960–2025).
How do Japan and Korea, Rep. compare today?
Japan is ahead: 123,366,734 against 51,684,564 — the trailing economy stands at about 42% of the leader.
Are these Population figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — people — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: