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In stark contrast to Honshu is Hokkaido, the second-largest island, which is akin in size to Ireland but has a population of just over 5 million. Despite Hokkaido covering more than 22% of Japan’s land area, it contributes to less than 5% of the country's population. Furthermore, the island's population has experienced a decline of over 5% since the early 2000s.
A Brief History of Development
One of the primary reasons for Hokkaido’s sparse population is its late development in Japan’s history. The island was the last major landmass to be colonized, with significant Japanese settlement beginning only in the late 19th century. Although indigenous groups, such as the Ainu, inhabited Hokkaido much earlier, the lack of robust settlement efforts led to its current demographic challenges.