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Japan vs UK GDP per capita
United Kingdom overtook Japan in 1972. In 1960 Japan stood at roughly 37% of United Kingdom’s GDP per capita; today the figure is about 62%, and the pair was closest in 2020 (101%).
| Year | Japan | United Kingdom | UK as % of Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1,397.59 | 519.42 | 37% |
| 1970 | 2,347.54 | 2,144.99 | 91% |
| 1980 | 10,032.06 | 9,872.35 | 98% |
| 1990 | 19,095.47 | 26,344.73 | 138% |
| 2000 | 28,383.88 | 39,752.94 | 140% |
| 2010 | 39,778.32 | 45,378.14 | 114% |
| 2020 | 40,815.13 | 41,098.97 | 101% |
| 2025 | 57,601.96 | 35,951.04 | 62% |
Frequently asked questions
When did United Kingdom pass Japan in GDP per capita?
In 1972. United Kingdom’s published GDP per capita rose above Japan’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Japan and United Kingdom compare today?
United Kingdom is ahead: 57,601.96 against 35,951.04 — the trailing economy stands at about 62% 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: