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Rail Congestion Edges Up in Japan, but Far from Pre-Pandemic Levels

Rail congestion rose again in Japan’s major cities in fiscal 2025, but trains are still far less packed than they were before the pandemic.

  • Rail congestion in Tokyo increased to 143% in fiscal 2025, up 4 points from the previous year.
  • Osaka and Nagoya congestion rates were 117% and 126%, respectively, with no change for Nagoya.
  • Pre-pandemic congestion rates exceeded 160%, now around 20 points lower.

Surge in Solitary Deaths Reflects Changes in Japan’s Family Structure

The population of Japanese citizens has fallen for 16 straight years, due to both a falling birthrate and rising numbers of deaths.

  • Japan's life expectancy at 87.33 years for women and 81.35 years for men.
  • Population dipped below 120 million in January 2026 for first time in 42 years.
  • 22,222 people died in isolation in 2025, 15,911 aged 65 and older.

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