The number of internet users in Japan amounted to around 116.3 million in 2021. This figure was projected to increase to almost 116.4 million internet users by 2026.
Japan’s online population
Japan is among the countries with the highest number of internet users in the world. It is home to one of the most advanced IT industries and enjoys a very high internet penetration rate, which is expected to grow further in the coming years. When it comes to devices, most people use smartphones to access the internet, which indicates the importance of mobile internet connections. Partly as a countermeasure against the rapid aging of the population in Japan, the Japanese government introduced the concept of Society 5.0 in 2016, which aims to increase the digitalization and connectivity of the economy as well as various aspects of social life. This industry policy will further increase the importance of the internet in the future.
Current usage
A survey on the most common reasons why people in Japan use the internet showed that using social networking services, communicating via email, and searching for information were among the leading activities. The same survey also showed that a majority of people engaged in using video-sharing websites and purchasing goods and services online. While many people in Japan are avid users of the internet, surveys show that most have concerns regarding online safety. According to one survey, a clear majority of respondents feel insecure when using the internet, mainly because of privacy and security concerns. In a different survey, the vast majority Japanese respondents stated that they wanted to do more to protect their privacy.
Number of internet users in Japan from 2017 to 2021 with a forecast until 2026
(in millions)
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Statista. (July 21, 2021). Number of internet users in Japan from 2017 to 2021 with a forecast until 2026 (in millions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 10, 2024, from https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/266376/internet-users-japan/
Statista. "Number of internet users in Japan from 2017 to 2021 with a forecast until 2026 (in millions)." Chart. July 21, 2021. Statista. Accessed November 10, 2024. https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/266376/internet-users-japan/
Statista. (2021). Number of internet users in Japan from 2017 to 2021 with a forecast until 2026 (in millions). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 10, 2024. https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/266376/internet-users-japan/
Statista. "Number of Internet Users in Japan from 2017 to 2021 with a Forecast until 2026 (in Millions)." Statista, Statista Inc., 21 Jul 2021, https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/266376/internet-users-japan/
Statista, Number of internet users in Japan from 2017 to 2021 with a forecast until 2026 (in millions) Statista, https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/266376/internet-users-japan/ (last visited November 10, 2024)
Number of internet users in Japan from 2017 to 2021 with a forecast until 2026 (in millions) [Graph], Statista, July 21, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/266376/internet-users-japan/