Tokyo's History, Geography, and Population

History of Tokyo

  The history of the city of Tokyo stretches back some 400 years. Originally named Edo, the city started to flourish after Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Tokugawa Shogunate here in 1603. As the center of politics and culture in Japan, Edo grew into a huge city with a population of over a million by the mideighteenth century. Throughout this time, the Emperor resided in Kyoto, which was the formal capital of the nation. The Edo Period lasted for nearly 260 years until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when the Tokugawa Shogunate ended and imperial rule was restored. The Emperor moved to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo. Thus, Tokyo became the capital of Japan.

  During the Meiji era (1868-1912), Japan avidly assimilated Western civilization. Buildings made of bricks and stone were built on the sites of the mansions of feudal lords, and the major roads were paved with round stones. In 1869 Japan’s first telecommunications line was opened between Tokyo and Yokohama, and the first steam locomotive started running in 1872 from Shimbashi to Yokohama. Western hairstyles replaced the traditional topknot worn by men, and bowler hats, high collars, and bustled skirts were the height of fashion. In 1882 Japan’s first zoological gardens were opened in Ueno. In 1885 the cabinet system of government was adopted and Ito Hirobumi became Japan’s first prime minister. With the promulgation of the Constitution of the Empire of Japan in 1889 Japan established the political system of a modern state.

  During the Taisho era (1912-1926), the number of people working in cities increased, and a growing proportion of citizens began to lead consumer lifestyles. Educational standards improved, and the number of girls going on to study at higher schools increased. Performing arts such as theater and opera thrived.

  In September 1923 Tokyo was devastated by the Great Kanto Earthquake. The fires caused by the earthquake burned the city center to the ground. Over 140,000 people were reported dead or missing, and 300,000 houses were destroyed. After the earthquake a city reconstruction plan was formulated. While not all of it was realized because the projected costs exceeded the national budget, this effort established the basic framework of Tokyo’s current urban infrastructure.

  Beginning shortly after the Great Kanto Earthquake, the Showa era (1926-1989) started in a mood of gloom. Even so, Japan’s first subway line was opened between Asakusa and Ueno in 1927, and in 1928 the 16th general elections for the House of Representatives of the Diet were held for the first time following the enactment of universal male suffrage. In 1931 Tokyo Airport was completed at Haneda, and in 1941 the Port of Tokyo was opened. By 1935 the resident population of Tokyo had grown to 6.36 million, comparable to the populations of New York and London.

  However, the Pacific War, which broke out in 1941, had a great impact on Tokyo. The dual administrative system of Tokyo-fu (prefecture) and Tokyo-shi (city) was abolished for war-time efficiency, and the prefecture and city were merged to form the Metropolis of Tokyo in 1943. The metropolitan administrative system was thus established and a governor was appointed. In the final phase of the war, Tokyo was bombed 102 times. The heaviest air raid was on March 10, 1945, in which there was great loss of life and material damage. The war came to an end on September 2, 1945, when the Japanese government and military representatives signed the Instrument of Surrender. Much of Tokyo had been laid waste by the bombings and by October 1945 the population had fallen to 3.49 million, half its level in 1940.

  In May 1947 the new Constitution of Japan and the Local Autonomy Law took effect, and Seiichiro Yasui was elected the first Governor of Tokyo by popular vote under the new system. In August of that year, the present 23 special-ward system began in Tokyo Metropolis.

  The 1950s were a time of gradual recovery for the nation. Television broadcasting began in 1953, and Japan joined the United Nations in 1956. Economic recovery was aided in particular by the special procurement boom arising from the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. This led to Japan’s entry into a period of rapid economic growth in the 1960s. Due to technological innovations and the introduction of new industries and technologies, this period saw the beginning of mass production of synthetic fibers and household electric appliances such as televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines. As a result, the everyday lives of the residents of Tokyo underwent considerable transformation. In 1962 the population of Tokyo broke the 10 million mark. In 1964 the Olympic Games were held in Tokyo, the Shinkansen (“Bullet Train”) line began operations, and the Metropolitan Expressway was opened, forming the foundation for Tokyo’s current prosperity.

  Entering the 1970s, the strain of rapid economic growth became apparent as the country was beset by environmental issues such as pollution of the air and rivers, as well as high levels of noise. The Oil Crisis of 1973 brought the many years of rapid economic growth to a halt.

  In the 1980s, Tokyo took large steps in economic growth as a result of its increasingly global economic activity and the emergence of the information society. Tokyo became one of the world’s most active major cities, boasting attractions such as cutting-edge technology, information, culture, and fashion, as well as a high level of public safety. From 1986 onwards, land and stock prices spiraled upwards, a phenomenon known as the “bubble economy.”

  Japan enjoyed tremendous growth under the bubble economy, but with the burst of the bubble at the beginning of the 1990s, sinking tax revenues caused by the protracted economic slump led to a critical state in metropolitan finances. Tokyo was, however, able to overcome this financial crisis through two successive fiscal reconstruction programs. The population also started returning to Tokyo, and in 1997, in-migration exceeded out-migration for the first time in 12 years. Tokyo’s population reached 12 million in 2000, 13 million in 2009, and surpassed 14 million in 2019.

  In March 2011 the Great East Japan Earthquake struck the Tohoku region. Although it was far from the epicenter, Tokyo was still seriously affected, including a vast number of individuals unable to return home and significant power shortages. To address these impacts, Tokyo updated its earthquake response plans to improve the city’s resilience.

  In September 2013, Tokyo won the bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the second time. However, due to COVID-19, which became a global pandemic in early 2020, it was decided to postpone the Games by one year and hold them without spectators. This unprecedented situation posed enormous difficulties, but through strict measures to prevent infection, a safe and secure Games were held in summer 2021.

  The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is now working with the residents of Tokyo to make Tokyo the best city in the world—a city that balances maturity and ongoing growth, where all individuals can shine and enjoy a sense of well-being.

Tokyo Tower (1964)

Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree (2019)

Timeline

＊All names in this publication follow the Japanese order of family name first.

Geography of Tokyo

  Tokyo Metropolis is located in the southern Kanto region, positioned in approximately the center of the Japanese archipelago. It is bordered to the east by the Edogawa River and Chiba Prefecture, to the west by mountains and Yamanashi Prefecture, to the south by the Tama River and Kanagawa Prefecture, and to the north by Saitama Prefecture.

  The Tokyo Megalopolis Region, or Greater Tokyo Area, is made up of Tokyo and the three neighboring prefectures of Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa. This area is home to around 30% of Japan’s total population. The National Capital Region is made up of Tokyo and the seven surrounding prefectures of Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, and Yamanashi.

  Tokyo Metropolis is a regional local government (metropolitan prefecture) comprising 23 special wards (ku in Japanese), 26 cities (shi), 5 towns (machi), and 8 villages (mura). The overall population of Tokyo is about 14.27 million (as of October 1, 2025), and the area is about 2,199.94 square kilometers (as of July 1, 2025). The climate is generally mild.

  The administrative district covers a long, narrow stretch of land made up of 23 special wards and the Tama area (26 cities, 3 towns, and 1 village), and two island groups in the Pacific Ocean south of Tokyo Bay—the Izu Islands and the Ogasawara Islands (two towns, 7 villages). The Okinotorishima Islands, at the southernmost part of Japan, which have an exclusive economic zone of about 400,000 square kilometers, and Minamitorishima Island, at the easternmost part of Japan, also fall under the administrative district of Ogasawara-mura.

Map of Japan
 

Tokyo Metropolis
and Surrounding Prefectures
 

The 23 Special-ward Area

  The total area covers about 628 square kilometers. The population has been showing an upward trend, with 9.95 million residents—a population density of about 15,853 persons per square kilometer—as of October 1, 2025.

  The 23 special-ward area is the political, economic, and cultural hub of Japan. Government offices, corporations, and commercial facilities are concentrated in the heart of Tokyo, and the transportation network is well developed. The bay area is a transportation and logistics hub, with regional transportation infrastructure that includes a major international airport and port. Cultural facilities such as museums and art galleries, as well as sightseeing and entertainment facilities, are located in the 23 special-ward area, making it an area bustling with large numbers of visitors.

The Tama Area

  The Tama area covers about 1,160 square kilometers. Its population is 4.30 million—a population density of about 3,710 persons per square kilometer— as of October 1, 2025.

  This area has an abundance of local resources, including a lush natural environment, historic sightseeing spots, and a concentration of companies and research institutions with high technological capabilities, as well as universities. Moreover, with features such as convenient access from central Tokyo, a strong transit system supporting the community, a highly livable environment for older adults and families raising children, and high resistance to disaster risks such as earthquakes due to its solid ground, this is a region with much potential for growth. It holds an important position within not only Tokyo Metropolis, but the entire Greater Tokyo Area as well.

The Islands

  The islands have a total area of about 413 square kilometers. The island population is continuing to fall and currently stands at 22,000 (as of October 1, 2025), with a population density of 54 persons per square kilometer.

  This region has a rich natural environment abundant with marine resources, and the islands also play an important role for our country in securing a vast exclusive economic zone. They have a diverse and remarkable natural environment, as well as a unique historical and cultural background, and are precious assets providing valuable “healing” spaces for visitors. On the other hand, the islands face challenges such as the need to develop the marine and air transportation network and health care delivery system to improve living conditions; a declining and aging population; and sluggish agriculture, fisheries, and tourism industries.

Administrative Areas of Tokyo

Population of Tokyo

Population Summary

  As of October 1, 2025, the population of Tokyo is estimated to be 14.273 million, about 11.6% of Japan’s total population. It has the largest population among all the 47 prefectures.

  At 2,199.94 square kilometers as of July 1, 2025, the area of Tokyo is 0.6% of the total area of Japan. With a population density of 6,488 persons per square kilometer, Tokyo is the most densely populated prefecture in Japan.

  The ward area is home to 9.948 million persons, the Tama area, 4.303 million, and the Islands, 22,000.

  Tokyo has 7.665 million households, with an average 1.86 persons per household.

  The number of foreign residents according to the basic resident register is 772,000 as of October 1, 2025.

Population Change

  The population migration between Tokyo and other prefectures in 2024 showed 460,000 persons moving into Tokyo while 384,000 persons moved out, for a net social increase of 76,000 persons.

  With the exception of 1984 and 1985, there was a prevailing trend of out-migration exceeding in-migration since 1967, until a net social increase was seen for the first time in 12 years in 1997. This trend has continued since then, with 2024 again showing a net increase.

  Looking at the migration between Tokyo and the three adjacent prefectures (Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa prefectures), 210,400 people came into Tokyo while 209,600 moved out, for a slight net social increase.

  Looking at the natural population change, following the peak net natural increase of 182,000 in 1968, Tokyo experienced a slowing of population growth and marked its first natural decline in 2012. During 2024, there was a net natural decrease of 52,000, with about 89,000 births and 141,000 deaths.

Trends in Population of Tokyo

Demographic Composition by Age

  According to the Population Census, as of October 1, 2020, the population of Tokyo was 14.0476 million (Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications). Divided into three age categories, the child population (ages 0-14) was 1.568 million, the working-age population (ages 15-64) was 9.284 million, and the aged population (ages 65 and over) was 3.195 million, for a population composition of 11.2%, 66.1%, and 22.7%, respectively.

  The percentage of aged persons exceeded the now widely accepted standard of 14% for an “aged society” in 1998, and Tokyo is now a “super-aged society,” with senior citizens making up 21% or more of the population.

Labor Force Population

  As of October 1, 2020, the population aged 15 years and older was 12.052 million persons, of whom 7.97 million were employed and 307,000 fully unemployed, for a total labor force population of 8.277 million persons.

Demographic Composition by Industry

  According to the Population Census of 2020, when employed persons were viewed by the three industrial groups, 28,000 persons (0.4%) were employed in the primary industry of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries; 1.199 million (15.0%) in the secondary industry of mining, construction, and manufacturing; and 6.743 million (84.6%) in the tertiary industry of commerce, transportation, communication, and services.

Demographic Composition by Occupation

  According to the Population Census of 2020, when employed persons were viewed by the four employment groups, 28,000 persons (0.4%) were employed in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries; 1.397 million (17.5%) in manufacturing and transportation-related occupations; 2.155 million (27.0%) in sales and services; and 4.39 million (55.1%) in clerical, technical, and management occupations.

Daytime Population and De Jure Population

  The Population Census in 2020 lists the daytime population of Tokyo as 16.752 million people, which is 2.704 million more than the de jure population of 14.048 million. This difference is caused mainly by the daytime influx of commuting workers and students from the three neighboring prefectures of Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa. The daytime/ nighttime population, which is daytime population per 100 de jure population, is 119.2, with the daytime population about 1.19 times more than the de jure population.

  The daytime population, broken down by area, is 12.87 million in the ward area, 3.856 million in the Tama area, and 25,000 persons in the islands. The daytime/nighttime population for these three areas are 132.2, 89.9, and 102.5, respectively, with the ward area index noticeably higher. The three central wards—Chiyoda, Chuo and Minato— are especially high at 629.2 (a de jure population of 496,000 and a daytime population of 3.123 million), making their daytime population more than six times higher than the de jure population.

  Changes in the metropolis since 1965 show that while the de jure population increased by 3.178 million (29.2%) during the period up to 2020, the daytime population had a much greater increase of 5 million (42.5%).

Changes in Population Composition by Three Age Groups

Note 1: As the denominator (total population) from 1990 to 2005 used to calculate the percentages includes persons of unknown age, totals do not reach 100%.
Note 2: Figures for 2020 are from imputed values.
Source: Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications; “Population Census”

Trends in Breakdown of Employed Persons by Three Industry Sectors

Figures for 2020 are from imputed values.
Source: Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications; “Population Census”

Changes in Tokyo’s Daytime and De Jure Populations

Note 1: Both daytime and de jure populations exclude persons whose ages are unknown.
Note 2: Figures for 2020 are from imputed values.
Source: Statistics Division, Bureau of General Affairs, TMG; “Daytime Population in Tokyo”

Population Commuting into Tokyo Metropolis by Prefecture (2020)

The figures indicate the number of workers who live in neighboring prefectures and commute into Tokyo.
Source: Statistics Division, Bureau of General Affairs, TMG; “Tokyo’s Daytime Population”

Proportion of Workers in Tokyo Metropolis by Place of Residence (2020)

Source: Statistics Division, Bureau of General Affairs, TMG; “Tokyo’s Daytime Population”