Japan has officially crossed a historic demographic milestone. As of September 1, 2026, the number of people aged 100 or older in the country reportedly reached 107,677, according to data released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on September 15. This is the first time Japan's centenarian population has exceeded 100,000.
The figure represents an increase of 7,914 from the previous year and marks the 56th consecutive annual rise in the number of centenarians. Women continue to dominate the group, reportedly accounting for 94,298 people — nearly 88% of the total.
A Long Road to the Milestone
Japan began systematically tracking centenarians in 1963, when only 153 people aged 100 or older were recorded. The numbers have grown steadily ever since:
- Surpassed 1,000 in 1981
- Crossed 10,000 in 1998
- Reached 50,000 in 2012
- Exceeded 90,000 in 2022
The consistent growth reflects Japan's status as one of the world's longest-living nations. Average life expectancy remains among the highest globally, supported by advances in healthcare, relatively healthy traditional diets, high levels of physical activity among older adults and strong social systems.
Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno reportedly welcomed the news, saying he was “very pleased that so many people are remaining active and healthy for so long.” He also noted the broader societal value of longer health spans, with many older people continuing to contribute to their communities.
The Oldest Living Japanese
Japan's oldest woman is reportedly Fuyo Kishimoto, a 114-year-old resident of Kyoto (born December 20, 1911). The oldest man is reportedly Hikaru Kato, 112, from Kumamoto (born May 2, 1914).
An additional 54,294 people are expected to turn 100 during the current fiscal year (ending March 31, 2027). These new centenarians will receive congratulatory letters from the Prime Minister along with traditional silver-plated cups — a long-standing custom timed around Respect for the Aged Day.
Regional Variations
The density of centenarians varies significantly across prefectures:
- Shimane reportedly recorded the highest rate at 186.65 centenarians per 100,000 residents — the top ranking for the 14th consecutive year.
- Kochi (169.52) and Tottori (152.48) followed.
- Urban prefectures such as Saitama, Aichi and Osaka reportedly reported much lower rates.
Nationally, Japan has 87.51 centenarians per 100,000 people.
The Broader Context: Longevity and Challenges
While the milestone is a point of national pride and a testament to Japan's public-health achievements, it also underscores the challenges of rapid population ageing. Japan has one of the world's oldest societies, with a shrinking working-age population and rising costs for healthcare, pensions and long-term care.
The government has set goals to extend healthy life expectancy further, aiming to keep more people active and independent for longer. Initiatives focus on preventive care, community support systems and encouraging lifelong activity.
Globally, Japan continues to lead in the number of centenarians. United Nations estimates place the worldwide total of people aged 100 or older at roughly 672,000, with Japan holding the largest share of any single country.
The Indian Diaspora Lens
Japan's longevity story has real relevance for NRIs and Indian policy watchers:
- India is ageing too. India's over-60 population is expected to more than double by 2050. Japan offers a decades-long case study in what a rapidly ageing society looks like — both the opportunities (silver economy, wisdom-of-elders labour force) and the strains (healthcare, pensions, caregiving).
- Lessons in preventive care. Japan's public-health infrastructure, healthy traditional diet, community-based elder programmes and universal insurance are useful reference points for Indian states and NRI-led philanthropy focused on senior care.
- Multi-generational family design. Many NRI families are already navigating cross-country ageing-parent care. Japan's experience with dementia villages, community health nurses and mobile geriatric services is directly translatable.
Looking Ahead
The steady rise in centenarians shows no immediate signs of slowing. With tens of thousands more Japanese expected to join the ranks in the coming years, the country will remain a living laboratory for understanding extreme longevity, healthy ageing and the social systems required to support an ever-older population.
For now, Japan is celebrating a remarkable achievement: more than 100,000 of its citizens have lived a full century — and counting.
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Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare data reportedly released September 15, 2026. NRI Globe provides journalism and general information only.