Japan breaks record: number of people over 100 surpasses 100,000

Japan has set a historic longevity record, as the number of people aged 100 and over has surpassed 100,000 for the first time, according to “Die Welt”.

According to data published today by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 107,677 people aged 100 and over live in Japan, based on data recorded through September 1, 2026.

The figure is up by 7,914 people compared to a year earlier.

This is the 56th consecutive year that Japan has recorded a rise in the number of people over 100.

In 1963, when the recording of these statistics began, only 153 people in this age group were counted in the country.

Women make up the overwhelming majority of centenarians.

They represent about 88% of the total, while the number of people aged 100 and over per 100,000 residents has reached 87.51.

Among prefectures, Shimane has the highest ratio, with 186.65 people aged 100 and over per 100,000 residents.

It is followed by Kochi with 169.52 and Tottori with 152.48.

Shimane holds first place for the 14th consecutive year.

The new record comes at a time when Japan is simultaneously facing another demographic reality: the overall population is shrinking and society is aging rapidly.

This creates challenges for the labor market, the pension system, health care and public finances.

Recent data shows that Japan has one of the oldest population structures in the world.

The rise in the number of centenarians makes Japan one of the most prominent global examples of rising longevity, but at the same time underlines the scale of the demographic change the country faces.

Source: Die Welt