滝本 匠 
June 15, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Tomoya Kohatsu
In each of the four months from February through May of this year, the estimated population of Okinawa was down 0.01-0.04% compared to the same month in 2021. The estimated population is published every month by the Okinawa Statistics Division. Since October 2000, the Statistics Division has interpolated the results of the Japanese census to calculate the estimated population of Okinawa. This is the first time that the population has dropped year-on-year. In February 2022, the population of Okinawa was 1,469,233 people, down 0.01% (125 people) compared to February 2021. This may be due to restrictions on the number of foreigners entering Japan that were put in place to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.
Compared to Japan as a whole, where the population has been declining, Okinawa has historically had strong population growth. However, the rate of population growth in Okinawa has been shrinking each year due in part to the aging population. On top of that, entry restrictions due to COVID-19 have prevented technical interns and language students coming to Okinawa from overseas, contributing to the declining population.
Looking at the estimated population published in February 2022, it can be seen that the Japanese population in Okinawa increased by 1403 people compared to February 2021, while the foreign population decreased by 1528 people, resulting in a net decline. March and April were also impacted by a shrinking foreign population.
In May, the foreign population grew slightly due to the loosening of entry restrictions, but because the Japanese population shrank, the population of Okinawa was down compared to May 2021.
(English translation by T&CT and Ellen Huntley)
