Japan's centenarian population surpasses 100,000 for first time

Japan's population of centenarians has surpassed 100,000 for the first time, reaching a record 107,677 as of September 15, 2026, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The milestone, announced on Tuesday, marks the 56th consecutive year of growth in the number of people aged 100 or older, up by nearly 8,000 from the previous year. The data highlights Japan's status as a global leader in longevity but also underscores the mounting fiscal and caregiving pressures of a rapidly aging society. Women comprise approximately 88% of the centenarian population, totaling 94,298 individuals. The oldest person in Japan is Fuyo Kishimoto, a 114-year-old woman living in Kyoto, while the oldest man is Hikaru Kato, a 112-year-old from Kumamoto. Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno noted that many people are remaining active and healthy for so long. The report indicated that some centenarians enjoy hobbies like karaoke and ground golf, while others share memories of World War II with younger generations. A few remain at work, including some who tend fields in rural areas. The surge in centenarians is set against a backdrop of a declining national population.