The population of Tokyo as of the 1st of this month fell below the same month of the previous year for the first time in about a quarter century.
Experts point out that "remote work is progressing due to the influence of the new coronavirus, and the separation of work and housing is leading to population decline. It is a historic turning point."
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the population as of the 1st of this month is estimated to be 13,952,915, a decrease of more than 600 from the same month last year.
It is the first time in 24 years and 8 months since June 1996 that it is below the same month of the previous year, and it is the first time in about a quarter century.
Compared to last month, the number has decreased by more than 7,300, which is the seventh consecutive month of decrease since August last year.
In addition, the number of people who have moved to other prefectures is more than 2,800 more than those who have moved to Tokyo.
"Excessive transfer" has also been for 7 consecutive months.
Yutaka Okada, a senior researcher at Mizuho Research Institute Ltd., who is familiar with population issues, said, "The influence of the new corona has led to the progress of remote work, and the separation of work and housing has led to a historic turning point. That's it. "
On top of that, he said, "Future town development is very important for Tokyo, and it is necessary to develop a strategy to maintain the population and tax revenue to a certain extent."