Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Japan’s Centenarian Population Surpasses 100,000 for First Time
Japan now has more than 100,000 people who are at least 100 years old.
The total is 107,677 people.
This number has risen every year for 56 years.
Almost nine out of every ten centenarians are women.
Shimane has the largest share of centenarians compared with its population.
Saitama has the smallest share among the areas mentioned.
Researchers say healthy food, walking, social connections, and good healthcare may help people live longer.
Small routines, including eating modest portions and having a sense of purpose, may also contribute.
Japan has 107,677 people aged 100 or older, the first time the total has exceeded 100,000.
The centenarian population has increased for 56 consecutive years, rising by about 7,900 from the previous year.
Women account for approximately 88% to 90% of Japan’s centenarians.
Shimane has the highest concentration, while Saitama has the lowest among the regions cited.
Researchers associate Japan’s longevity with diet, physical activity, healthcare, social engagement, and daily habits.
- Who
- Japan’s population, particularly people aged 100 and above, is involved.
- What
- The number of centenarians reached 107,677, surpassing 100,000 for the first time.
- When
- The latest government data covers the current reported count; the article does not provide an exact release date.
- Where
- Japan, with regional figures reported for Shimane, Kochi, Tottori, Saitama, Aichi, and Osaka.
- Why
- The increase reflects Japan’s long-term longevity trend; researchers point to diet, activity, healthcare, social engagement, and daily habits as possible contributors.
- Total centenarians
- 107,677 people
- Long-term trend
- The number has increased for 56 consecutive years.
- Annual increase
- About 7,900 more centenarians than the previous year
- Women’s share
- Approximately 88% to 90% of centenarians
- National rate
- 87.51 centenarians per 100,000 residents
- Highest regional rate
- Shimane: 186.65 per 100,000 people
- Lowest regional rate cited
- Saitama: 51.27 per 100,000 people