Population of Tokyo

The 23 special wards that make up what is considered Tokyo proper had an estimated population of 8,194,727 in 2005.

Tokyo Metropolis extends to the west of the central city and has a population of 12,168,247 (2005); it is one of the largest urban areas in the world.

Crowding is a serious problem, particularly in the 23 wards and close suburbs.

In Tokyo Metropolis the population density is 5,443 persons per sq km (14,097 per sq mi), while in the 23 wards the density is 13,000 persons per sq km (33,670 per sq mi).

By contrast, the average density for Japan as whole, itself a crowded country in comparison to other countries, is 328 persons per sq km (850 per sq mi).

Problems that relate to crowding include traffic congestion, high land prices and rents, air and noise pollution, lack of open space and greenery, and blocked access to direct sunlight in areas of high-rise construction.

Because it is the nation’s capital and economic center, Tokyo attracts migrants from all parts of Japan.

The number of young migrants is particularly large because they come to Tokyo to attend a college or university and often stay to begin working careers.

Tokyo also has many migrants who come for jobs immediately after finishing secondary school.

Only about 2 percent of the population is non-Japanese.

The largest foreign groups are Koreans, which account for about one-half of all foreigners, Chinese, Americans, and Filipinos.

Although the foreign population is a small percentage of the total, it exceeds 250,000 and is growing.

The number of guest workers from developing Asian nations such as the Philippines, Iran, and Bangladesh grew especially quickly during the 1980s and early 1990s, both from legal migration and undocumented workers.

The growing foreign population reflects expansion of Tokyo’s role as a global economic hub.