Map Shows Countries With Most Centenarians As Japan Tops 100,000

Japan has become the first country to surpass 100,000 centenarians, marking a significant milestone in longevity and presenting challenges for an aging society. According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of people aged 100 or older reached 107,677 in September 2026, an increase of 7,914 from the previous year.

Japan already held the title of having the world's largest centenarian population in 2023, with around 120,000 people in this age group. The top 10 countries with the highest number of centenarians include Japan, followed by other nations with large populations and high life expectancies. Japan's longevity can be attributed to its healthy lifestyle, universal healthcare system, and low obesity rates, all of which contribute to its exceptional rates of longevity.

The traditional Japanese diet, rich in fish, vegetables, soy, and seaweed, is also believed to play a role in healthy aging. Japan's demographic trends, characterized by an older population due to low birth rates and increasing life expectancy, have led to rising healthcare, pension, and long-term care costs. As more people reach advanced age, the number of centenarians naturally increases.

While this milestone represents a public health success story, it also poses policy challenges, particularly for governments facing an aging workforce and the need to adapt social welfare systems.