Japan's centenarian population surpasses 100,000 for the first time

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare announced on Tuesday that the number of centenarians in the country has exceeded 100,000 for the first time, reaching 107,677 as of September, an increase of almost 8,000 from a year earlier. This represents the 56th consecutive year the figure has risen since records began in 1963. Women make up 88% of centenarians, or 94,298 people.

Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno expressed satisfaction that so many people are remaining active and healthy for extended periods. Japan is home to some of the world's oldest confirmed individuals, including Fuyo Kishimoto, a 114-year-old woman in Kyoto, and Hikaru Kato, a 112-year-old man from Kumamoto. Japan's average life expectancy stood at 84 years in 2024 according to the World Bank, compared with 79 in the United States. Scientists commonly attribute this longevity to the country's dietary patterns and advanced healthcare system.

The rising number of centenarians reflects broader challenges facing Japan as an aging society. The country's overall population of 123 million continues to decline as birth rates reach record lows. This demographic shift is increasing pressure on elderly care costs while simultaneously shrinking the workforce. These factors present significant economic challenges for the world's fourth largest economy.