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Rachel V Thomas

Japan Has 107,677 Centenarians; 88% Are Women: Challenges Of An Aging Population

For the first time, the number of <span>centenarians in Japan</span> has exceeded 100,000. According to the latest figures from the health ministry, the country now has 107,677 people aged 100 and above, of whom 88% are women.

The oldest woman is Kishimoto Fuyo, a 114-year-old from Kyoto City, while the oldest man is Kato Hikaru, a 112-year-old from Kumamoto.

Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno told reporters he was “delighted that so many people are living long, healthy and active lives”. Citing progress in medicine and technology behind the long life, Ueno also warned about the challenge of maintaining a sustainable social security system.

<h2>Why Is Japan A Super-Ageing Society?</h2>

The <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/want-to-live-till-100-japan-sets-record-of-almost-100000-people-aged-over-100-article-152803945" data-type="tilCustomLink">long lives of Japanese</a> people may be attributed to several factors, including genetics, a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

The island nation’s cuisine predominantly consists of fish, vegetables and rice, with less saturated fat than many Western diets. Older people also regularly walk, use public transport, cycle and stretch.

However, Japan’s <span>ageing population</span> is linked to two major demographic trends: low birth rates and longer life expectancy.

Fertility falling below the replacement level means fewer younger people are entering the population, while improvements in healthcare allow people to live longer.

To curb the falling fertility rates, the government in 2023 launched programs aimed at increasing the birth rate, including a 3.5-trillion-yen (US$22.5 billion) increase in family-policy spending. 

However, the country's total fertility rate still dropped to a record low of 1.14 in 2025, far below the 2.1 children needed to maintain the current population.

On the other hand, there were 153 people aged 100 or older when centenarian surveys began in 1963. The number exceeded 1,000 in 1981 and surpassed 10,000 in 1998, according to the Health and Welfare Ministry.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/unusually-high-cancer-fighting-immune-cells-could-explain-why-some-people-live-beyond-100-study-article-155931533" data-type="tilCustomLink">Unusually High Cancer-Fighting Immune Cells Could Explain Why Some People Live Beyond 100: Study</a>

<h2>What Are The Challenges Of A Super-Ageing Society?</h2>

The World Health Organization defines “super-ageing” societies as countries where more than 20% of the population is aged 65 or older.

As the proportion of older adults grows relative to the working-age population, population ageing can place pressure on healthcare systems, economies and social support structures. It can also contribute to challenges such as pension pressures, labor shortages and increasing demand for long-term care.

An ageing population can increase the need for continuous medical care, caregiving and social support, due to

<ul><li><strong>Chronic disease burden </strong>of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and cognitive  </li><li><strong>Resource strain, where </strong>Hospitals and nursing homes face shortages of specialized geriatric care personnel and integrated support services.</li><li><strong>Social isolation, where l</strong>oss of community engagement and inadequate public transportation or age-friendly housing can increase vulnerability.</li><li><strong>Elder mistreatment:</strong> Social and family abuse, alongside systemic ageism, can undermine the dignity and safety of older citizens. </li></ul>

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/normal-ageing-or-alzheimers-doctors-explain-six-key-differences-to-watch-for-article-154962355" data-type="tilCustomLink">Normal Ageing or Alzheimer's? Doctors Explain Six Key Differences to Watch For'</a>

<h2><span rel="noindex">Ageing Is Becoming A Global Challenge</span></h2>

Japan’s demographic shift is part of a broader global trend. According to WHO, by 2030, one in six people worldwide will be aged 60 or older. The number of people aged 60 and above is projected to rise from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion by 2030.

By 2050, the global population aged 60 and older is expected to reach 2.1 billion. The number of people aged 80 or older is also expected to triple between 2020 and 2050, reaching 426 million.

By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population aged over 60 is expected to live in low- and middle-income countries.

Population ageing therefore has implications not only for how long people live, but also for healthcare, caregiving, social support and the size of the working-age population.

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For the first time, the number of centenarians in Japan has exceeded 100,000. According to the latest figures from the health ministry, the country now has 107,677 people aged 100 and above, of whom 88% are women.The oldest woman is Kishimoto Fuyo, a 114-year-old from Kyoto City, while the oldest man is Kato Hikaru, a 112-year-old from Kumamoto.Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno told reporters he was “delighted that so many people are living long, healthy and active lives”. Citing progress in medicine and technology behind the long life, Ueno also warned about the challenge of maintaining a sustainable social security system.Why Is Japan A Super-Ageing Society?The long lives of Japanese people may be attributed to several factors, including genetics, a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.The island nation’s cuisine predominantly consists of fish, vegetables and rice, with less saturated fat than many Western diets. Older people also regularly walk, use public transport, cycle and stretch.However, Japan’s ageing population is linked to two major demographic trends: low birth rates and longer life expectancy.Fertility falling below the replacement level means fewer younger people are entering the population, while improvements in healthcare allow people to live longer.To curb the falling fertility rates, the government in 2023 launched programs aimed at increasing the birth rate, including a 3.5-trillion-yen (US$22.5 billion) increase in family-policy spending. However, the country's total fertility rate still dropped to a record low of 1.14 in 2025, far below the 2.1 children needed to maintain the current population.On the other hand, there were 153 people aged 100 or older when centenarian surveys began in 1963. The number exceeded 1,000 in 1981 and surpassed 10,000 in 1998, according to the Health and Welfare Ministry.Also read: Unusually High Cancer-Fighting Immune Cells Could Explain Why Some People Live Beyond 100: StudyWhat Are The Challenges Of A Super-Ageing Society?The World Health Organization defines “super-ageing” societies as countries where more than 20% of the population is aged 65 or older.As the proportion of older adults grows relative to the working-age population, population ageing can place pressure on healthcare systems, economies and social support structures. It can also contribute to challenges such as pension pressures, labor shortages and increasing demand for long-term care.An ageing population can increase the need for continuous medical care, caregiving and social support, due toChronic disease burden of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and cognitive  Resource strain, where Hospitals and nursing homes face shortages of specialized geriatric care personnel and integrated support services.Social isolation, where loss of community engagement and inadequate public transportation or age-friendly housing can increase vulnerability.Elder mistreatment: Social and family abuse, alongside systemic ageism, can undermine the dignity and safety of older citizens. Read More: Normal Ageing or Alzheimer's? Doctors Explain Six Key Differences to Watch For'Ageing Is Becoming A Global ChallengeJapan’s demographic shift is part of a broader global trend. According to WHO, by 2030, one in six people worldwide will be aged 60 or older. The number of people aged 60 and above is projected to rise from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion by 2030.By 2050, the global population aged 60 and older is expected to reach 2.1 billion. The number of people aged 80 or older is also expected to triple between 2020 and 2050, reaching 426 million.By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population aged over 60 is expected to live in low- and middle-income countries.Population ageing therefore has implications not only for how long people live, but also for healthcare, caregiving, social support and the size of the working-age population.

japan has 107,677 centenarians; 88% are women: challenges of an aging population

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