As of 2024, the top 1% in Japan earned 12.65% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 18.21%. Japan’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 10.50%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Japan in 2024
In 2024, income in Japan was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 12.65% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 18.21% of income, notably higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Japan | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 12.65% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 43.50% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 18.21% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Japan?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Japan’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 10.50% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 2.15 percentage points to 12.65%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Japan has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 35.36% while the bottom 50% received 20.59%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 43.50% and 18.21% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 10.50% | 35.36% | 20.59% | 14.77 pp |
| 1986 | 11.02% | 36.81% | 19.77% | 17.04 pp |
| 1992 | 9.84% | 35.48% | 20.69% | 14.79 pp |
| 1998 | 10.23% | 38.40% | 18.88% | 19.52 pp |
| 2004 | 12.96% | 44.20% | 16.30% | 27.90 pp |
| 2010 | 12.58% | 43.44% | 18.26% | 25.18 pp |
| 2016 | 12.68% | 43.53% | 18.18% | 25.35 pp |
| 2022 | 12.65% | 43.50% | 18.21% | 25.29 pp |
How Japan Compares Globally
Japan vs Asia Average
Compared to other countries in Asia, Japan’s top 1% income share of 12.65% is notably lower than the regional average of 16.42%. The bottom 50% in Japan receives 18.21% of income, compared to the Asia average of 15.41%.
Where Japan Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Japan ranks 135th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Japan ranks 38th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Japan include income distribution in Chad, Benin's income inequality, Moldova.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Japan?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Japan earned 12.65% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Japan?
Income inequality in Japan has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 10.50% in 1980 to 12.65% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Japan?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Japan received 18.21% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 43.50%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.