2026年07月30日

Sapporo’s Chuo Ward Sees Population Decline

 

According to the Basic Resident Registration Population Survey released by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications as of January 1 this year, the Japanese population of Sapporo's Chuo Ward has begun to decline after years of continuous growth.

 

The City of Sapporo reports that this is the first decrease in the ward's Japanese population since 1994.

One possible factor behind this trend is the rise in real estate prices, including condominium and housing costs. As a result, more residents appear to be relocating from Chuo Ward to other areas within the city.

 

Meanwhile, the Japanese population across the Ishikari region fell by 7,150 people from the previous year, reaching 2,340,007. Although the population has continued to decline for the fifth consecutive year, the rate of decrease has become smaller compared to the previous year.

 

It is worth noting that the recent decline applies specifically to the Japanese population. In contrast, the number of foreign residents in Sapporo has been increasing in recent years. Changes in the city's demographic composition are attracting attention as a factor that could influence future housing demand and trends in the real estate market.