Japan now boasts nearly 100,000 individuals aged 100 years or older, with a significant majority being women. This marks a substantial increase and sets a new all-time high, according to government data released on Friday.
As of September 1st, the number of centenarians in Japan reached 99,763, representing an increase of 4,644 compared to the previous year. Women account for 88% of this population, as reported by the Japanese Ministry of Health in a press release.
The oldest person in the archipelago is Shigeko Kagawa, who is 114 years old and resides in Nara Prefecture, near Kyoto. According to the ministry, she remained active as a gynecologist-obstetrician and general practitioner even after turning 80.
Official data released in August indicated that Japan’s population experienced a record decline of over 900,000 people in 2024. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is currently resigning, referred to this situation as a “silent crisis,” pledging to implement family-friendly measures such as more flexible working hours and free childcare services in an effort to reverse the trend.
