Japanese Passport Ownership Rate About 18%; While Overseas Interest Recovers, 4 out of 5 Cannot Go Abroad

The Japan Working Holiday Association (JAWHM), a non-profit organization supporting and promoting the working holiday system, conducted a survey on Japanese passport ownership based on passport statistics published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The survey found that as of the end of 2025, the percentage of Japanese with valid passports was about 18%, meaning approximately 4 out of 5 Japanese do not have a passport.

Meanwhile, the number of passports issued, which dropped significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, is on a recovery trend, and overseas interest is rising again, especially among younger generations.

Passport ownership rate still below 20%

As of the end of 2025, the number of valid passports was about 21.93 million. The ownership rate relative to the total Japanese population is about 18%, indicating that many Japanese are still not prepared to travel abroad.

Many people are interested in overseas travel, study abroad, or working holidays but cannot take the first step due to reasons such as "not knowing where to start" or "worries about cost and procedures."

Rapid recovery in passport issuance

The number of passports issued dropped to about 1.7 million in 2021 due to the pandemic but has been recovering since: 2021: about 1.7 million 2022: about 2.2 million 2023: about 3.5 million 2024: about 3.82 million 2025: about 3.62 million

Although the number has not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, the recovery in overseas travel demand is steadily progressing.

About 45% of issuers are under 30

By age group for passports issued in 2025, those under 30 accounted for 44.6% of the total.

In particular, people in their 20s made up 22.6%, the largest share, indicating that overseas orientation among young people is rising again.

The popularity of social media and video streaming services is lowering the psychological barriers to working or living abroad, and more young people are thinking "I want to experience overseas," "I want to learn English," or "I want to broaden my career options."

Many are interested in overseas, but don't know the first step

The Japan Working Holiday Association has supported many study abroad and working holiday aspirants.

Many of the inquirers have concerns such as: - Have not yet obtained a passport - Don't know which country to choose - Don't know how much it costs - Lack confidence in English

However, many people have actually realized overseas travel by gathering information and preparing.

Free online seminars are being held

The Japan Working Holiday Association regularly holds free online seminars for those interested in study abroad and working holidays.

The seminars cover: - Basic knowledge of the working holiday system - Country-specific features and cost comparisons - Real situation of job hunting abroad - Ways to overcome concerns about English proficiency - Examples of career utilization after returning to Japan

This is designed especially for those who "want to go abroad someday" or "want to start with information gathering."

The first step to going abroad is "information gathering" even before obtaining a passport.

Please feel free to participate.

[Free Seminar Information] Japan Working Holiday Association https://www.jawhm.or.jp

Source

Passport holdings and issuances ... Ministry of Foreign Affairs Passport Statistics (number of passports issued and valid passports)

Valid passports and issuances in 2025 ... Ministry of Foreign Affairs "2025 Passport Statistics"

What is a Working Holiday?

The working holiday system is an arrangement between two countries/regions based on agreements, where each country/region mutually permits young people from the other to have a holiday period with incidental employment to supplement travel funds, fostering cultural understanding.

It is a special visa for young people, distinct from tourist, student, or work visas, offering high flexibility: holders can stay anywhere, travel, work, or attend language schools.

Working Holiday 45th Anniversary Campaign

Japan signed its first working holiday agreement with Australia on December 1, 1980. In the anniversary year, the association is launching various projects under the theme "Make Every Working Holiday the Best Experience," sharing via a special site and social media throughout the year.

Working Holiday? Go with the Working Holiday Association®

The General Incorporated Association Japan Working Holiday Association conducts various activities to promote and elevate the working holiday system.

Organization Name: General Incorporated Association Japan Working Holiday Association Location: Link Square Shinjuku 16F, 5-27-5 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Chairman: Hajime Ikeguchi URL: http://www.jawhm.or.jp/