China's economy is approximately 4 times larger than Japan's by nominal GDP ($17.9T vs $4.2T in 2024), making it the world's second-largest economy, while Japan ranks fourth. However, Japan has a significantly higher GDP per capita ($39,285 vs $12,720), reflecting deeper wealth distribution and higher living standards per citizen.
Japan vs China Economy — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose China's economy if analyzing global economic scale, manufacturing capacity, and growth momentum—it dominates in absolute size and production output. Choose Japan's economy if prioritizing wealth per citizen, economic stability, labor efficiency, and developed-market characteristics. Both represent different economic models: China represents rapid-growth emerging dominance while Japan represents mature, stable prosperity.
Mature, technology-driven developed economy with low unemployment and high per capita wealth
World's second-largest economy by nominal GDP, dominant in manufacturing and global trade with rapid growth.
Japan vs China Economy — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Japan vs China Economy with 217 attributes.
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (Annual)
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production Share
Tech Sector Market Capitalization (Top 7 Companies)
Average Annual GDP Growth Rate (2010-2023)
Annual GDP Growth Rate (2020-2026 Average)
Japan vs China Economy — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Japan vs China Economy.
Why is China's economy so much larger than Japan's if Japan is wealthier per capita?
China has 11.4 times more people (1.42B vs 125M), so despite lower per-capita wealth, the total economy is much larger. China's economy = $17.9T with 1.42B people; Japan's = $4.2T with 125M people. It's the difference between total economic output (where size matters) and individual prosperity (where per-capita metrics matter).
Which economy is growing faster and why?
China grows at 5.3% annually versus Japan's 1.0%, a 430% difference. China benefits from rapid industrialization, urbanization (60% urban rate rising from 30% in 2000), and a younger workforce. Japan faces demographic headwinds: its population shrinks 0.5% yearly and 28% are over 65, reducing working-age productivity and creating labor shortages.
Is Japan's economy stronger or weaker than China's?
It depends on the metric. China is stronger in absolute size, growth rate, manufacturing capacity, and currency reserves. Japan is stronger in per-capita wealth, labor efficiency, unemployment rate, and technological advancement. Different metrics reveal different strengths: China dominates scale, Japan dominates quality of life per citizen.
How do their exports and trade positions compare?
China controls 28% of global manufacturing exports ($2.3T in exports, 2024) versus Japan's 8% share ($890B). However, Japan's exports are higher-value: Japan dominates semiconductors, robotics, and precision manufacturing with 35% global semiconductor equipment share. China dominates volume in consumer goods, electronics assembly, and raw materials.
What economic challenges does each face?
Japan faces demographic collapse: -0.5% population decline annually, aging workforce, and low birth rates (1.2 children per woman) creating shrinking consumer base and pension crises. China faces debt accumulation (government + corporate debt at 280% of GDP), property market instability, and slowing growth as it transitions from manufacturing-led to consumption-led growth models.