Fewer young people have moved out of Tokyo's 23 wards in recent years, prompting demographers to speculate that young families are now seeking to live closer to their workplaces.
A government survey released Wednesday shows that between 1995 and 2000 there was a mere 0.1 percent decline in the population of people in the 25-29 age bracket in the 23 wards.
The population loss in the 30-34 age group stood at 3 percent, while it was 2.3 percent in the 35-39 age group.
The study was compiled by the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry.
In the previous census, a much larger exodus to the outskirts of Tokyo occurred among the three age groups. Between 1985 and 1990, the wards lost between 12.3 percent and 18.5 percent of the younger population.
Officials at the land ministry said they believe the demographic change reflects a growing tendency among people in their late 20s and 30s to stay closer to their jobs in Tokyo after they get married or have children.