Here are Japan population numbers—
1976 = 114 million
1989 = 124 million
2002 = 128 million
2015 = 127 million
As I understand Japanese immigration laws, people from densely populated Asian countries are allowed to come to Japan to work, but they are not allowed to stay forever.
The laws are probably more complicated than that, but the essence of their immigration policy is to maintain a Japanese culture.
I personally find Japan as near the top of all countries to visit. You may want to move it higher on your bucket list.
I think I will! Thanks for the info.
Your description of their immigration policy matches my impression (I haven’t really dug in).
Do your pop numbers include “temporary” workers?