Up to 120: Number of people aged 100 and over in Japan exceeds 100,000 for the first time

The number of centenarians in Japan has exceeded 100,000 for the first time, reaching 107,677, an increase of 7,914 from last year. The vast majority (94,298) are women. By the end of March, about 54,000 more are expected to join. Japan's average life expectancy is among the highest in the world.

The number of centenarians in Japan has exceeded 100,000 for the first time, standing at 107,677, an increase of 7,914 from last year. The vast majority (94,298) are women. By the end of March 2027, about 54,000 more people are expected to celebrate their 100th birthday, receiving a congratulatory letter from the prime minister and silver-coated cups. This trend has been ongoing for decades: in 1963, only 153 centenarians lived in Japan; the figure climbed to 1,000 in 1981 and crossed 10,000 in 1998. Japan's average life expectancy is among the highest in the world: 81.35 for men and 87.33 for women. The oldest woman is Fuyu Kishimoto, who will turn 115 in two months. About one-third of Japan's population is aged 65 and over. The aging population has economic implications: the International Monetary Fund warned in 2020 that the aging population would harm public financing due to rising health and pension costs against a shrinking tax base. Then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in 2023 that Japan is on the brink of its ability to function as a society. According to estimates, Japan will be short 11 million workers by 2040, and already nearly half of companies rely on workers over 70.