In Japan, the number of people over 100 years old has exceeded 100,000 for the first time
In Japan, the number of people aged 100 and over has exceeded 100,000 for the first time. This happened against the backdrop of a shrinking total population and record-low birth rates, writes CNN.
According to data from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, as of September 2026, there were 107,677 people aged 100 and over in the country. This is almost 8,000 more than a year earlier. The number of centenarians has been growing for the 56th consecutive year.
Notably, 88% of Japanese who have reached 100 years of age are women.
"I am very happy that so many people remain active and healthy for a long time," Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno told reporters.
Japan consistently ranks among the countries with the highest life expectancy in the world. According to the World Bank, in 2024 it averaged 84 years. For comparison, in Belarus, this figure was about 74.5 years, in Poland — 78, Italy — 84, and Finland — 82 years.
Scientists link the high life expectancy of Japanese people, in particular, to a healthy diet and a developed healthcare system. At the same time, despite Japan's reputation as a country with long working hours, some of its residents adhere to the philosophy of ikigai — the pursuit of finding meaning, purpose, and joy in life.
According to Japanese authorities, among the country's oldest residents are 114-year-old Fuyo Kishimoto from Kyoto and 112-year-old Hikaru Kato from Kumamoto.
Population aging is becoming an increasing problem for the Japanese economy. Costs for elderly care are rising, while the working-age population is shrinking.
Japan's total population, which stands at approximately 123 million people, continues to decline. Simultaneously, the country's birth rate has dropped to a record low.
For comparison, in Italy last year, there were over 23,000 people aged 100 and older, with a total population of about 59 million people.
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