16 September :Despite decades of population decline, Japan is witnessing a steady rise in the number of people in a particular age group. For the first time, the number of people aged 100 or older in the longevity-focused country has surpassed 100,000, setting a new record.
The figures were released on Tuesday, 15 September, by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. According to the data, the number of centenarians rose for the 56th consecutive year to 107,677, an increase of approximately 8,000 from the previous year.
The ministry said women account for the overwhelming majority of centenarians. Of the total, 94,298 are women, representing nearly 88 percent of the group, while the number of men stands at 13,379.
Commenting on the figures, Japanese Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno told reporters, “I am extremely pleased that so many people are remaining active and healthy for such a long time.”
Japan is also among the world’s leading countries in terms of life expectancy. According to World Bank data, the country’s average life expectancy was 84 years in 2024.
Researchers say balanced dietary habits and an advanced healthcare system have played important roles in Japan’s longevity. Although a culture of long working hours has persisted in Japanese cities, some citizens follow the philosophy of ikigai, which encourages people to find meaning, joy and value in life.
Several of the world’s oldest people also live in Japan. According to the Health Ministry, they include 114-year-old Fuyo Kishimoto of Kyoto and 112-year-old Hikaru Kato of Kumamoto.
However, the rise in the number of centenarians is occurring alongside growing demographic pressure. The cost of caring for the elderly is increasing, while the working-age population is shrinking. At the same time, Japan’s total population of approximately 123 million continues to decline as the birth rate remains at a record low.
To address labour shortages, Japan has expanded employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled foreign workers in recent years. However, amid growing anti-foreigner sentiment, the government has also tightened certain rules relating to visas and immigration.