Japan vs Israel
Japan has a population of 123.2M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Japan is 12.2 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 7.5 times larger than Israel's ($540.4B). Japan covers 377,930 km², 17.2 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 0.8 years higher than Israel's 83.2 years.
JapanIsrael| Population | +1115.7%123.2M | -91.8%10.1M |
| Area | +1622.8%377,930 km² | -94.2%21,937 km² |
| GDP | +645.3%$4.03T | -86.6%$540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -40.0%$32,487.078 | +66.8%$54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.0%84.0 yrs | -1.0%83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -33.3%1.8 | +50.0%2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -29.8%2.5% | +42.4%3.5% |
| Capital | Tokyo | Jerusalem |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Japanese | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | JPY (¥) | ILS (₪) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Japan is 12.2 times more populous than Israel, with 123.2M residents compared to 10.1M. Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). Israel has grown at 2.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Japan is classified as a high-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 7.5 times larger than Israel's ($540.4B). Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Japan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Japan is 84.0 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 0.8 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years. At 2.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Israel's infant mortality is 50% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Japan (377,930 km²) is 17.2 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Japan shares borders with 0 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Japan spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Both Japan and Israel are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Japan and Israel is in land area: Japan's 377,930 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Israel is in population: Japan's 123.2M compared to Israel's 10.1M represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Israel is in GDP: Japan's $4.03T compared to Israel's $540.4B represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Japan's high-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, which is 1.7x that of Japan ($32,487.078). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 1.4x more densely populated than Japan (462 vs 326 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Japan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 0.8 years longer than those of Israel (84.0 vs 83.2 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Israel's economy grew at 0.9% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Travel Comparison
Japan vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 2.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Israel offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Japan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Japan vs Israel for Budget Travelers
Japan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $32,487.078 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Japan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Japan vs Israel for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Israel may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Japan vs Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Japan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Japan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Japan can approach or exceed average costs in Israel's smaller cities.
Japan vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Japan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Japan or Israel by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Japan is 12.2 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Japan or Israel?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Israel's $540.4B. Japan's economy is 7.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Japan and Israel?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Israel's 83.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.8 years. Japan's life expectancy is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Japan or Israel?
Japan is larger by land area, covering 377,930 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Japan is 17.2 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Japan and Israel?
Japan recognizes the following official language: Japanese. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Japan or Israel?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Israel's 3.1%. Japan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Israel's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Japan or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 2.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Israel offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Japan or Israel cheaper to visit?
Japan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $32,487.078 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Japan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in s...
Is Japan or Israel better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Israel may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate ...
Is Japan or Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Japan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Japan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Japan or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Japan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both...