Japan’s Centenarian Population Hits New Highs

Japan’s population of centenarians has reached an all-time high as the nation continues to enjoy the longest life expectancy in the world. This milestone can be attributed to a healthy lifestyle and a decrease in life-threatening illnesses.

For the 55th consecutive year, Japan has set records with the centenarian count climbing to an impressive 99,763, as reported by the BBC.

Out of this number, women make up a significant portion, totaling 87,784, which is around 88%, whereas men account for 11,979.

The oldest living person in Japan is Kawakawashima Seiko, a retired doctor from Nara Prefecture, who is 114 years old. He operated a family clinic specializing in obstetrics and gynecology until he retired at 86.

Kawakawa has become a symbol of Japan’s remarkable longevity. He made headlines in 2021 when he became one of the oldest torchbearers in Olympic history at the age of 109 during a relay in Tokyo.

The oldest man, according to officials, is Shimizu Island, who is 111. This announcement was made ahead of Japan’s Elderly Day celebrations.

Experts suggest that Japan’s longevity is fueled by various factors, including a diet rich in breast and prostate health, particularly women’s health. Additionally, older adults are encouraged to stay active; many engage in regular walking, use public transport, and participate in exercises like Radio Taiso, which features daily three-minute workouts broadcast on television.

The government began monitoring centenarians in 1963, a time when the number of individuals over 100 was just 100.

However, it’s worth noting that while many in Japan live longer, the country reported nearly 1 million more deaths than births in 2024. This marks the steepest annual population decline since the government started tracking these statistics nearly 60 years ago.

Japan’s population, which peaked in 2009 at around 126.6 million, has been gradually declining, according to recent data from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Communications.

Last year saw Japan setting dual records—one for historic low birth rates and the other for high death rates.

Data reveals that birth rates are at their lowest since tracking began in 1968.

The ongoing natality crisis has prompted the Japanese government to advocate for family-friendly policies, such as free childcare, enhanced access to healthcare, and shorter work weeks.