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Japan vs UK Population
Japan has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 United Kingdom stood at roughly 56% of Japan’s Population; today the figure is about 56%.
| Year | Japan | United Kingdom | UK as % of Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 93,216,000 | 52,400,000 | 56% |
| 1970 | 103,403,000 | 55,663,250 | 54% |
| 1980 | 116,807,000 | 56,314,216 | 48% |
| 1990 | 123,478,000 | 57,247,586 | 46% |
| 2000 | 126,843,000 | 58,892,514 | 46% |
| 2010 | 128,070,000 | 62,766,365 | 49% |
| 2020 | 126,261,000 | 66,740,000 | 53% |
| 2025 | 123,366,734 | 69,487,000 | 56% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Japan pass United Kingdom in Population?
It has not come to that. Japan has held the larger Population in every published year (1960–2025).
How do Japan and United Kingdom compare today?
Japan is ahead: 123,366,734 against 69,487,000 — the trailing economy stands at about 56% 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: