Top 3 Destinations for Japan Expats (2023 Data via 2025 OECD Report)
The report estimates that 22,000 Japanese citizens left for other OECD countries in 2023, roughly flat from the year before:
| Country of Origin | Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Germany | ~4,400 (20% of overall Japanese outflow) |
| Japan | United States | ~3,740 (17% of overall Japanese outflow) |
| Japan | Netherlands | ~1,760 (8% of overall Japanese outflow) |
Germany at #1 is notable given the distance. The US at #2 is more expected given the historical and economic ties. The Netherlands at #3 is less obvious but has been a popular destination for Japanese professionals for a while.
So if Japanese citizens are headed to Germany, the US, and the Netherlands, where are those countries sending their people?
Emigration of German citizens (to OECD countries) was 145,000 in 2023. ~18% went to Switzerland, 14% to Austria, and 13% to Poland.
Emigration of US citizens (to OECD countries) was 104,000 in 2023. ~13% went to Spain, 10% to the United Kingdom, and 10% to Canada.
Emigration of Dutch citizens (to OECD countries) was 42,000 in 2023. ~21% went to Spain, 18% to Belgium, and 13% to Germany.
| Country of Origin | Top Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Switzerland | ~26,100 |
| United States | Spain | ~13,520 |
| Netherlands | Spain | ~8,820 |