Japan's centenarian population surpasses 100,000 for the first time
Japan’s health ministry announced that the number of people aged 100 or older has reached 107,677, with women accounting for 88 percent of centenarians.
Japan's centenarian population has surpassed 100,000 for the first time, reaching 107,677 as of September 1, according to figures released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The total represents an increase of 7,914 compared to the previous year, marking the 56th consecutive annual rise.
Women account for approximately 88 percent of all centenarians in the country. Japan's oldest woman is 114-year-old Kishimoto Fuyo from Kyoto, while the oldest man is 112-year-old Kato Hikaru from Kumamoto.
Japanese Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno stated he was "delighted that many people live longer and stay active thanks to advances in medical technology." Released ahead of the national Respect for the Aged Day, the survey underscores Japan's rapidly aging demographics, with the country holding one of the highest median ages globally behind Monaco.
Sources: Der Spiegel, ORF, BBC News, Aftenposten.