In 2020, Kawasaki had an aging rate of 19.6% and a working-age population share of 65.1%, giving it a relatively young age structure among major Kanto cities. In 2023 it recorded net in-migration of 5,475 people, and its population is projected to reach about 1.607 million by 2045. We look at the mechanisms behind its population growth beyond Musashi-Kosugi alone.
Kawasaki population structure (2020 Census)
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Total population | 1,538,262 |
| Children aged 0–14 | 189,490 (12.3%) |
| Working-age population aged 15–64 | 1,001,271 (65.1%) |
| Population aged 65+ | 301,151 (19.6%) |
| Daytime population | 1,342,397 |
| Daytime/nighttime population ratio | 87.3% |
| In-migrants (2023) | 96,821 |
| Out-migrants (2023) | 91,346 |
| Net migration | +5,475 |
Population forecast: Kawasaki is projected to keep growing
| Projection year | Projected population |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,535,017 |
| 2030 | 1,567,243 |
| 2035 | 1,592,690 |
| 2045 | 1,607,068 |
A young age structure and net in-migration support growth through 2045
Kawasaki's 2020 population was 1,538,262, including 1,001,271 people aged 15–64 and 301,151 aged 65 or older. Its daytime/nighttime population ratio was 87.3%, indicating that many residents commute or study outside the city.
In 2023, 96,821 people moved into Kawasaki while 91,346 moved out, producing net in-migration of 5,475. The projected population rises to 1,567,243 in 2030 and 1,607,068 in 2045.
Tokyo access, redevelopment, and local employment attract younger households
Musashi-Kosugi connects directly to Tokyo via the Tokyu Toyoko and Meguro lines and multiple JR services, while high-rise residential development has attracted dual-income households in their 30s and 40s. Miyamae and Asao wards also function as commuter residential areas along the Den-en-toshi and Odakyu lines.
At the same time, Kawasaki has employment within the city, including Fujitsu in Nakahara Ward, NEC-related employment around Saiwai Ward, and coastal industry in Kawasaki Ward. The combination of being close to Tokyo and providing both places to live and places to work supports the city's younger working-age population and net in-migration. But even if total population grows, the number of older residents will also rise; a young city does not mean that aging policy is unnecessary.
How to read these figures
The future figures shown here are projections, not observed outcomes. They may change depending on future births, deaths, in-migration, and out-migration.
The article is organized primarily around published statistical figures. Numerical values directly observable in the statistical tables should be distinguished from interpretations of background factors.
Summary: Kawasaki is young, but growth and aging will occur at the same time
Kawasaki attracts younger households through access to Tokyo and employment within the city, and its population is projected to grow through 2045. At the same time, the number of older residents will increase within that growing population, so the city must support childcare and housing while also expanding healthcare and long-term care.
- 2020 population: about 1.538 million
- Working-age population: 65.1%; aging rate: 19.6%
- Net in-migration in 2023: 5,475 people
- 2045 projected population: about 1.607 million
Source: Published statistics listed in the Analysis notes at the end of this article
📊 Analysis notes
This article is based on the following statistical data.
- Statistics used: Statistics Bureau of Japan, Social and Demographic Statistics System (Population and Households) (Table ID: 0000020101, view on e-Stat)
- Area: Kawasaki / Kanto region
- Base year: 2020
- Data retrieved: June 6, 2026
- Notes: The article is organized primarily around published population projections. The projected values themselves should be distinguished from interpretations of the factors behind them.
Chart and table values have been independently aggregated and visualized from the statistical data above.
Table values have been organized from the statistical data above.