Japan’s Happiness Index Drops to 61st Globally, China Ranks 65th

The United Nations and Oxford University, among others, recently released the 2026 edition of the World Happiness Report. Finland remains at the top for the ninth consecutive year, while Japan has slipped from 55th in 2025 to 61st. The report points out that excessive use of social networks may be one of the reasons for the decline in happiness among young people in some countries, including Europe and the United States.

The report shows that in more than half of the countries, the happiness index of young people under the age of 25 has increased compared to 20 years ago. On the other hand, the happiness index has declined in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe. Excessive use of social networks is considered one of the reasons.

The report ranks countries based on self-reported life satisfaction surveyed in 147 countries and regions, and analyzes the data in conjunction with GDP per capita and healthy life expectancy. Iceland ranks second, Denmark third, and Costa Rica in Central America fourth. The United States ranks 23rd, China ranks 65th, and Afghanistan is at the bottom.

Regarding restrictions on social networks for young people, Australia will implement a law at the national level in December 2025 that prohibits those under the age of 16 from using them.