China's GDP of $17.9 trillion (2024) vastly exceeds Japan's $4.2 trillion, making China the world's second-largest economy while Japan ranks fourth. China's economy is 4.3x larger despite having 10x Japan's population, reflecting different development stages and economic structures.
China vs Japan GDP — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
China dominates in absolute GDP size, ranking second globally with an economy 4.3x larger than Japan's, driven by manufacturing, exports, and rapid industrialization. Choose China for understanding the world's largest developing economy and manufacturing powerhouse; choose Japan for analyzing a mature, high-income economy with advanced technology, robotics, and service sectors. Japan's higher per-capita GDP ($31,950 vs $12,720) reflects its developed-nation status and wealth distribution, while China's rapid 5.2% growth rate suggests continued economic expansion.
World's second-largest economy by nominal GDP, driven by manufacturing and exports.
World's fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, focused on advanced technology and services.
Structured comparison data for China vs Japan GDP with 180 attributes.
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
Government Education Expenditure Per Capita
Years to Double GDP at Current Growth Rate
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2025)
Annual GDP Per Capita Growth (2020-2026)
OLED Display Global Market Share (Leading Company)
China vs Japan GDP — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for China vs Japan GDP.
Why is China's GDP so much larger than Japan's despite similar development levels?
China's GDP is 4.3x larger primarily due to its 11.7x larger population (1.44 billion vs 123 million). However, Japan's per-capita GDP ($31,950) is 2.5x higher, reflecting Japan's status as a high-income developed nation versus China's upper-middle-income status. China's economy benefits from massive scale and rapid industrialization, while Japan's wealth is more concentrated and mature.
How do the economic structures of China and Japan differ?
China's economy is heavily dependent on manufacturing (28% of global output) and exports, with major sectors including textiles, electronics, and automobiles. Japan's economy emphasizes advanced services (finance, insurance), high-tech manufacturing (semiconductors, robotics), and automotive innovation. Japan generates 72% of GDP from services, while China derives 54% from services and 36% from industry.
Which economy is growing faster and why?
China's GDP grows at 5.2% annually versus Japan's 2.5%, driven by continued industrialization, infrastructure investment, and emerging middle-class expansion. Japan's slower growth reflects its mature, developed-economy status with already-high per-capita income. China's growth rate is expected to moderate to 3.5-4% by 2030 as it develops further.
What are the biggest economic risks for each country?
China faces trade war vulnerability (exports represent 18% of GDP), real estate sector stress, and demographic headwinds from aging population. Japan faces the highest government debt among developed nations (264% of GDP), a shrinking workforce (-0.5% annually), and dependence on exports for growth, making it vulnerable to global demand shocks.
How do the two economies compare in financial stability?
China holds $3.2 trillion in foreign exchange reserves versus Japan's $1.2 trillion, providing greater short-term liquidity. However, Japan has lower government debt relative to its developed-economy status and is the world's largest net creditor with $3.5 trillion in external assets. Japan's financial system is more transparent and stable, while China faces hidden local government debt estimated at $5-7 trillion.