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Japan vs UK GDP
Japan overtook United Kingdom in 1966. In 1960 United Kingdom stood at roughly 151% of Japan’s GDP; today the figure is about 90%, and the pair was closest in 1965 (102%).
| Year | Japan | United Kingdom | UK as % of Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 48,417,804,544.93 | 73,233,967,692.1 | 151% |
| 1970 | 221,798,003,144.44 | 130,671,946,244.3 | 59% |
| 1980 | 1,153,159,955,513.08 | 564,947,710,899.37 | 49% |
| 1990 | 3,252,994,239,867.4 | 1,093,169,389,204.55 | 34% |
| 2000 | 5,042,381,838,343.44 | 1,671,597,821,152.97 | 33% |
| 2010 | 5,811,578,109,447.07 | 2,496,740,681,057.14 | 43% |
| 2020 | 5,189,197,543,645.38 | 2,724,001,478,304.59 | 52% |
| 2025 | 4,435,162,999,976.94 | 4,002,587,541,846.01 | 90% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Japan pass United Kingdom in GDP?
In 1966. Japan’s published GDP rose above United Kingdom’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Japan and United Kingdom compare today?
Japan is ahead: 4,435,162,999,976.94 against 4,002,587,541,846.01 — the trailing economy stands at about 90% of the leader.
Are these GDP 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: