Tokyo is the Largest City in the World
*Updated May 2025
Tokyo is not simply the city of almost 14 million people (2025); it’s the Greater Tokyo Area, the most populous metropolitan district in the world. This includes Tokyo Metropolis, several neighboring prefectures, and the prefecture of Yamanashi in the adjacent Chubu region. As of 2025, the total population is estimated at 37,450,000. So what you see in Tokyo City is just the visible slice—the actual urban sprawl supports over 37 million residents.
According to the World Population Review, there are ten megacities on Earth. For years, new megacities have been emerging in India (Delhi) and China (Shanghai). By the end of this century, researchers predict that many African cities will rise to megacity status and potentially outpace Tokyo in population.
How Tokyo Became the World’s Largest City
Today, Tokyo boasts an advanced transport network, a wealth of shopping and dining, tremendous tourist attractions, and calming green spaces. No wonder it continues to attract ambitious talent from across Japan. Foreigners moving to Tokyo from the U.S. and other countries also benefit from the cultural diversity and the high energy of Japan’s capital. The 2020 Olympic Games drew even more global attention to the city.
Tokyo’s rise wasn’t overnight. A critical turning point came with the fall of the Edo Shogunate in 1868 and the start of the Meiji Period, which introduced industrialization and westernization to Japan. This sparked a wave of urbanization in Tokyo.
After World War II, the city saw another major population boom. Japan’s “Economic Miracle” from the 1960s to 1970s fueled a surge in financial and industrial growth. This era solidified Tokyo’s status as a leading global city and economic powerhouse.
Today, in 2025, Tokyo still ranks as the #1 city by population and continues to evolve at a dynamic pace. Expats never stop finding new and exciting experiences here.
Foreign Population in Tokyo
With a large and growing expat population, Tokyo outpaces other megacities like Beijing, Mexico City, São Paulo, and Shanghai.
- Tokyo (2025) – 585,000 (approx. 4.2% of Tokyo population)
- Shanghai (2022) – 150,000
- Mexico City (2018) – 198,522 (9% of population)
- São Paulo (2019) – 360,000
Although these numbers are from varying sources and years, they still offer insight into the scale of international communities in these cities—with Tokyo clearly standing out.
According to Realestate.co.jp, there were 546,436 foreigners living in the capital as of January 2021. That was a 5.4% decline from the previous year’s figure of 577,732. The 2025 increase suggests Tokyo is once again attracting global residents, reversing the temporary pandemic-era dip.
Director at SDC International Shipping, Kfir Cohen, notes that as the largest city in the world with one of the most vibrant foreign populations, Tokyo indeed represents a hub of global economic diversity.
Tokyo’s Economy Driven By Its Urban Strength
Tokyo’s power as a global metropolis is reinforced by hard numbers. In addition to a robust local economy, the city is home to more than 2,500 foreign-affiliated companies in 2025.
This international business presence draws in highly skilled professionals and investors from around the globe. As a result, Tokyo’s economic momentum continues to grow.
With its massive consumer base, excellent public infrastructure, a pool of skilled workers, and strong protection of intellectual property rights, Tokyo remains an ideal environment for business growth and career advancement.
If you’re planning a move to Tokyo from the USA, rest assured—the city offers not just economic opportunity, but a high standard of living as well.
Need Help Moving to Tokyo?
SDC International Shipping is ready to help with your international move. From packing and logistics to customs clearance and delivery, we make relocating to Japan easy and worry-free.
Contact us today to speak with a relocation specialist and get a free quote.
