Japan Government Debt to GDP — 2026 Data & Trend
Japan's government debt was 204.78% in December 2025, down from 213.59% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 213.59%.
Japan's government debt stands at 204.78% as of December 2025. Over the latest readings, the government debt has moved within a band of 85.26% to 228.77%. The most recent figure of 204.78% is down from 213.59% a year earlier, and is 8.81% lower than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 192 economies tracked on this platform, Japan ranks #2 on government debt by latest value. It fell from 213.59% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 213.59%.
What's driving it
The debt ratio moves with budget deficits, growth, interest costs and the currency; faster nominal growth lowers it, while wide deficits push it up.
Recent readings
| Period | Government debt |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 204.78% |
| Dec 2024 | 213.59% |
| Dec 2023 | 220.08% |
| Dec 2022 | 227.99% |
| Dec 2021 | 222.64% |
| Dec 2020 | 228.77% |
| Dec 2019 | 206.33% |
| Dec 2018 | 203.72% |
Data: Source: IMF — International Reserves and Foreign Currency Liquidity (IRFCL), International Liquidity (IL), Monetary and Financial Statistics (MFS), World Economic Outlook (WEO). Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
How Much Government Debt Does Japan Have in 2026?
Japan's government debt was 204.78% in December 2025, down from 213.59% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 213.59%.
Is the government debt rising or falling in Japan?
It fell in the latest reading — 204.78% in December 2025 versus 213.59% a year earlier. Year on year it is lower.
What is government debt?
It measures total public debt expressed as a share of gross domestic product (debt-to-GDP).