The Kansai region, particularly Osaka, has recorded a surplus of in-migrants for the first time in 52 years, according to a recent population movement report by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in Japan.
According to the latest population movement report released by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, and Nara, has experienced a surplus of in-migrants exceeding out-migrants by 8,742 individuals, marking the first time this has occurred in 52 years (excluding the year following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake). This trend of 'in-migration surplus' has now continued for two consecutive years, reversing the trend seen from 2015 to 2023 when the region was experiencing more out-migration.
Specifically, Osaka Prefecture is a major contributor to this phenomenon, with a reported in-migration surplus of 15,667 people in 2025. This ongoing trend of attracting residents has been linked to various factors, including an increase in foreign visitors and urban redevelopment initiatives leading up to the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Such developments have significantly enhanced the livability of urban areas in the vicinity, which has been positively noted by real estate developers.
Meanwhile, Shiga Prefecture also reported a surplus of 353 in-migrants, marking a return to in-migration surplus after a two-year hiatus. Conversely, the remaining four prefectures (Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara) are still experiencing out-migration. The report highlights how demographic changes are reshaping the dynamics of the Kansai area, showcasing the effects of infrastructure improvements and urban renewal on population trends.
