The Tokyo metropolitan area population has increased 2 percent since 1995 to about 8.13 million, underlining the recent trend of people gravitating toward city centers, according to preliminary results of the latest national census released Wednesday.
Nineteen of Tokyo's 23 wards -- including Chuo, Chiyoda and Minato -- recorded population increases since the last census in 1995.
Chuo and Chiyoda wards, which contain popular shopping streets and many central government offices, recorded population increases for the first time since 1955.
Five wards -- including Minato, Bunkyo and Taito -- also marked population increases for the first time since 1960.
The recent trend toward a centralized population has been attributed to housing construction in the city center.
Total population in the Tokyo metropolitan area increased by 2.4 percent to 12.05 million, exceeding 12 million for the first time.
The census was conducted October 1.