Japan's agricultural backbone is experiencing a historic downturn: the number of self-employed farmworkers plunged by 25.1 percent in 2025 compared to 2020, dropping to just 1.02 million, according to Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
At the same time, the average age of Japan's core farm workforce dipped slightly to 67.6 this year from 67.8 in 2020—the first decline since 1995—as retirements reshape the sector. While fewer workers might sound like progress, experts warn this shift underscores the aging rural population and a growing gap in young talent entering the fields.
Data from the latest census also shows a 23 percent drop in farm business entities, including corporations, down to 828,000—the most significant decline since 2005. This trend raises red flags about abandoned farmland and the long-term resilience of Japan's food supply chain.
For young global citizens and digital nomads, Japan's rural crisis blends tradition with technology. Startups offering smart farming solutions and sustainable agri-tech partnerships are stepping in, aiming to attract a new generation of farm innovators. From drone-powered crop monitoring to urban rooftop agriculture, entrepreneurs are reimagining what it means to farm in the 21st century.
“Without new voices and fresh ideas, large swaths of farmland could go unused,” says Tomoko Suzuki, a researcher in rural development.
As Japan grapples with this demographic challenge, the world is watching how the nation will balance its rich farming heritage with emerging technologies. The outcome could inform sustainable agriculture practices across G20 nations facing similar rural aging trends.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
