Number of centenarians in Japan tops 100,000 for 1st time, up for 56th yr

In September 2022, Japan witnessed a historic milestone as the number of centenarians, individuals aged 100 or older, reached an unprecedented 107,677, marking the first time this age group exceeded 100,000. This figure, released by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, reflects a continuous upward trend, now in its 56th consecutive year of increase.

The majority of centenarians were women, comprising 87.6% of the cohort, amounting to 94,298 individuals. Centenarian men, on the other hand, numbered 1,400, with 6,514 new women joining the ranks. Looking ahead, it is projected that an additional 54,294 people will become 100 years old within the fiscal year 2026, a rise of 1,984 from the previous year.

Noteworthy among Japan's centenarians are Fuyo Kishimoto, a 114-year-old resident of Kyoto born on December 20, 1911, and Hikaru Kato, a 112-year-old man from Kumamoto born on May 2, 1914. These individuals epitomize the remarkable longevity seen in the nation.

Historically, the number of centenarians in Japan began at a meager 153 in 1963, the year data collection commenced. Since then, the figure has surged annually, breaching several significant markers - 310 in 1970, 1,000 in 1981, 10,000 in 1998, and 50,000 in 2012. This exponential growth underscores Japan's ongoing advancements in healthcare and living conditions.

In 2025, Japan's average life expectancy stood at 87.33 years for women and 81.35 years for men, further contextualizing the demographic shift brought about by the increasing number of centenarians.