⚠️This fact has been debunked
This is factually incorrect. Current data shows that Timor-Leste has the shortest average height globally (men: 160cm, women: 150cm). Japan's average height (men: 171cm, women: 159cm) is actually close to the global average and taller than many Southeast Asian and Latin American countries. While Japanese people are shorter than Western populations, they are far from being the shortest in the world.
The Japanese, on average, are the shortest people.
Are Japanese People Really the Shortest in the World?
It's a common assumption that Japanese people are among the shortest in the world, but the numbers tell a different story. While Japan's population is indeed shorter than many Western countries, they're nowhere near the bottom of the global height rankings.
The Real Shortest People on Earth
According to 2025 data, Timor-Leste holds the distinction of having the shortest average height globally. Men there average just 160 cm (5'3"), while women average 150 cm (4'11.5"). Other countries in the shortest category include Laos, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala, and Nepal—all with average heights well below Japan's.
The primary factor? Chronic malnutrition affecting nearly half of Timor-Leste's children under five. While genetics play a role, nutrition and healthcare access are often the deciding factors in population height.
Where Japan Actually Ranks
Japanese men average 170.8-171 cm (5'7"), and women average 158-159.5 cm (5'2-2.8"). Here's the surprising part: Japan's average is essentially identical to the global average. The worldwide average for men is 171 cm—only 0.2 cm taller than Japan. For women, Japan's 159.5 cm matches the global figure exactly.
Regional comparisons reveal more nuance:
- Japanese men are about 5 cm shorter than American men
- They're roughly 10 cm shorter than European men
- They're similar in height to Chinese and South Korean populations
- They're notably taller than people from South and Southeast Asian countries
Why the Misconception?
The stereotype likely stems from comparison with Western nations. Japan is shorter on average than the U.S., Canada, Australia, and most of Europe. When your primary reference points are the Netherlands (where men average 183 cm or 6 feet) or Scandinavia, Japanese people do seem notably shorter.
But shorter than the West doesn't mean shortest in the world. In fact, Japan falls comfortably in the middle of global height rankings.
The Height Advantage of Migration
Interestingly, studies show that when families from shorter-statured countries immigrate to nations with better nutrition and healthcare, the next generation often sees substantial height increases. This suggests that while genetics set the baseline, environmental factors can significantly influence final adult height.
So no, Japanese people aren't the shortest on average—not even close. They're right around the global median, taller than billions of people worldwide.