Japan Real Time Charts and Data

Edward Hugh is only able to update this blog from time to time, but he does run a lively Twitter account with plenty of Japan related comment. He also maintains a collection of constantly updated Japan data charts with short updates on a Storify dedicated page Is Japan Once More Back in Deflation?

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Japan's population structure

The population pyramid is inverted:


Population growth is zero:



Japan's population is projected to shrink by approximately 32 million persons, or 25%, over the next forty years:


Source: Statistical Handbook of Japan 2009

Assuming an average household size of two persons, this would mean that about 12.5 million housing units would become excess during this time frame. That would be a significant drag on residential real estate values.

At the same time this would imply reduction of commercial real estate values, as fewer consumers would mean less need for retail space; while reduction in employment would mean less need for office/work space.

It seems that domestic sectors will be a drag on economic growth for Japan for the foreseeable future. At the same time, as export markets are stagnant or in recession it is difficult to forecast much growth for Japan's export sector.