Japan has once again set an impressive demographic record. According to recent data from the Japanese Ministry of Health, the country has surpassed the figure of 99,000 people over 100 years old, reaching a total of 99,763 centenarian residents in September 2025. This milestone, published on National Respect for the Aged Day, not only consolidates Japan as one of the nations with the highest life expectancy in the world but also highlights the challenge of its rapidly aging population.
The report reveals a clear gender disparity in extreme longevity. Of the total centenarians, the overwhelming majority are women: 87,784, representing 88% of the group. On the other hand, male centenarians number 11,979. These figures confirm a global trend, but one that is especially pronounced in the Asian country, where female longevity significantly exceeds male longevity. The oldest person in the country is Shigeko Kagawa, aged 114, while the oldest man is Kiyotaka Mizuno, aged 111.
Key Factors in Japanese Longevity
Local authorities and experts attribute this record longevity to a combination of lifestyle factors. Diet, physical activity levels, and low obesity rates are considered fundamental pillars. The traditional Japanese diet, rich in fish, vegetables, and fermented foods, with a low consumption of red meat, salt, and sugar, is often cited as a crucial factor for health.
In addition to nutrition, physical activity plays a vital role. Japanese culture promotes physical activity even in old age, as demonstrated by the popular Radio Taiso morning exercises. Broadcast on radio since 1928, these exercises are a daily routine for many elderly people, helping them stay active and fit. This commitment to health and well-being is, according to experts, one of the keys to Japan's success in longevity.
Challenges and Controversies in Centenarian Counting
Despite the impressive figures, the reliability of this data has been questioned in the past. In 2010, an audit by the Japanese government revealed that more than 230,000 alleged "centenarians" could not be located. In some cases, it was discovered that they had died decades earlier, and their families had concealed the death to continue receiving their pension benefits. A resonant case was that of Sogen Koto, whose remains were found 32 years after his death, despite being officially listed as Tokyo's oldest resident.
These controversies have led to greater caution and stricter audits to ensure data accuracy. However, even with these caveats, the fact that the number of people over 100 years old is approaching 100,000 is an undeniable indicator of the aging Japanese population. This demographic phenomenon presents a significant challenge for the country's economy and social services, which must adapt to an increasingly long-lived population with a smaller proportion of young people.
The record achieved by Japan is not only a testament to the longevity of its people but also a reminder of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and attention to well-being. This milestone, though impressive, forces the country to face the complex implications of being one of the oldest societies on the planet.
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