Japan’s population of centenarians has reached a new milestone, with nearly 100,000 people aged 100 or older, according to the country’s health ministry. The announcement marks the 55th consecutive year of record-breaking figures for the rapidly ageing nation.
As of September, the number of Japanese citizens over 100 years old stood at 99,763, with women representing an overwhelming 88% of the total.
World’s Longest Life Expectancy
Japan consistently records the highest life expectancy worldwide, often home to the oldest living person. While international studies sometimes question the accuracy of centenarian counts globally, Japan remains a striking example of longevity, largely due to its distinctive lifestyle and dietary habits.
The oldest living Japanese citizen is Shigeko Kagawa, a 114-year-old woman from Yamatokoriyama in Nara Prefecture. The oldest man is Kiyotaka Mizuno, aged 111, from the coastal city of Iwata.
Health Minister Takamaro Fukoka congratulated the 87,784 women and 11,979 men who have reached this age, expressing gratitude for their “many years of contributions to the development of society.”
Celebrating Elderly Day
The new figures were released ahead of Elderly Day, a national holiday held on September 15, when new centenarians traditionally receive a silver cup and congratulatory letter from the prime minister. This year, 52,310 individuals qualified for the honor.
Japan’s transformation has been dramatic. When the government began its centenarian survey in 1963, only 153 people had reached the age of 100. By 1981, the number had climbed to 1,000. By 1998, it had risen to 10,000. Today, the figure is nearly 100,000 — a testament to changing health outcomes and medical progress.
Why Do Japanese Live So Long?
Experts attribute Japan’s longevity to a combination of diet, healthcare, and lifestyle habits:
- Lower incidence of heart disease and cancer: Deaths from common cancers such as breast and prostate remain relatively low.
- Low obesity rates: Particularly among women, thanks to a diet rich in fish, vegetables, and low in red meat.
- Reduced salt intake: National health campaigns since the mid-20th century successfully encouraged people to cut back on salt — unlike many Western countries where sugar and processed foods increased.
- Active lifestyles: Older Japanese remain physically active, relying on walking and public transport more than peers in Europe or the US.
- Community-based exercise: Radio Taiso, a three-minute broadcast group exercise routine introduced in 1928, continues to unite communities in daily physical activity, especially among seniors.
Doubts About Centenarian Counts
Despite these positive factors, researchers have raised questions about the reliability of centenarian data worldwide. Japan itself has faced discrepancies.
A 2010 government audit uncovered more than 230,000 individuals listed as being 100 years or older who were unaccounted for. Many had died years earlier, while in some cases, families were suspected of concealing deaths to continue collecting pensions.
The issue came to light after authorities discovered the remains of Sogen Koto, thought to be Tokyo’s oldest man at 111, in his family home — 32 years after his actual death.
A Society Growing Older
Japan’s ageing population is both a mark of progress and a looming challenge. With low birth rates and increasing life expectancy, the country faces mounting pressure on its social security system, healthcare services, and workforce.
Yet, the story of Japan’s centenarians remains a symbol of resilience. As the nation celebrates Elderly Day, the remarkable rise from just 153 centenarians in 1963 to almost 100,000 in 2025 reflects not only medical advancements but also a cultural emphasis on healthy living and community ties.
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