Japan has marked a significant milestone with its centenarian population rising to a record high of 99,763, according to a recent announcement from the Ministry of Health. This achievement sets a new record for the 55th consecutive year, with women making up an overwhelming 88% of the centenarian demographic. Known for having one of the highest life expectancies in the world, Japan has long been recognized for its healthy aging population. The country is characterized by a lower prevalence of heart diseases and common cancers, attributed to dietary habits that prioritize fish and vegetables, coupled with a culture of physical activity.
The oldest individuals identified include 114-year-old Shigeko Kagawa from Nara and 111-year-old Kiyotaka Mizuno from Iwata. In light of these statistics, Health Minister Takamaro Fukoka expressed appreciation for the contributions of centenarians to society in a statement commemorating their longevity.
The government also highlights Elderly Day on September 15, during which newly recognized centenarians receive congratulatory letters and a silver cup from the Prime Minister. It is noted that approximately 52,310 people are eligible this year.
This rising trend reflects significant changes in Japan’s demographic over the decades. While in the 1960s, the country reported the lowest proportion of centenarians among G7 nations, the shift began with the initiation of centenarian surveys in 1963, which recorded only 153 individuals aged 100 or over. By 1981 this figure rose to 1,000, and by 1998 to 10,000.
Despite Japan’s accolades in longevity, the reliability of global centenarian figures has been questioned, particularly in light of a government audit uncovering discrepancies in family registries. In 2010, it was discovered that over 230,000 individuals listed as centenarians were unaccounted for, raising concerns about the accuracy of longevity records.
With a cultural emphasis on community and health, Japanese practices such as Radio Taiso, a daily exercise broadcast, further support the active participation of the elderly in maintaining their health and well-being, reflecting a lifestyle that contrasts sharply with aging populations in other parts of the world.
The oldest individuals identified include 114-year-old Shigeko Kagawa from Nara and 111-year-old Kiyotaka Mizuno from Iwata. In light of these statistics, Health Minister Takamaro Fukoka expressed appreciation for the contributions of centenarians to society in a statement commemorating their longevity.
The government also highlights Elderly Day on September 15, during which newly recognized centenarians receive congratulatory letters and a silver cup from the Prime Minister. It is noted that approximately 52,310 people are eligible this year.
This rising trend reflects significant changes in Japan’s demographic over the decades. While in the 1960s, the country reported the lowest proportion of centenarians among G7 nations, the shift began with the initiation of centenarian surveys in 1963, which recorded only 153 individuals aged 100 or over. By 1981 this figure rose to 1,000, and by 1998 to 10,000.
Despite Japan’s accolades in longevity, the reliability of global centenarian figures has been questioned, particularly in light of a government audit uncovering discrepancies in family registries. In 2010, it was discovered that over 230,000 individuals listed as centenarians were unaccounted for, raising concerns about the accuracy of longevity records.
With a cultural emphasis on community and health, Japanese practices such as Radio Taiso, a daily exercise broadcast, further support the active participation of the elderly in maintaining their health and well-being, reflecting a lifestyle that contrasts sharply with aging populations in other parts of the world.
