Japan’s centenarian population tops 100,000 for first time

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 17, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

Japan has reached a new longevity milestone, with the number of people aged 100 or older surpassing 100,000 for the first time since the country began keeping comparable statistics in 1963.

Japan had 107,677 centenarians as of September 1, up by 7,914 from the previous year, Jiji Press reported. The figure marked a record high for the 56th consecutive year.

Women accounted for the overwhelming majority of the total, with 94,298 female centenarians, or nearly 90 percent of Japan’s population aged 100 and above.

The number represents a dramatic rise from just 153 centenarians recorded in 1963. Japan’s centenarian population surpassed 1,000 in 1981, 10,000 in 1998, 50,000 in 2012 and 90,000 in 2022 before crossing the 100,000 mark this year.

Nationwide, Japan recorded 87.51 centenarians for every 100,000 people.

Shimane Prefecture had the highest concentration for the 14th consecutive year at 186.65 centenarians per 100,000 residents, followed by Kochi at 169.52 and Tottori at 152.48.

Saitama posted the lowest rate at 51.27, followed by Aichi at 57.79 and Osaka at 60.06.

Japan’s oldest woman is Fuyo Kishimoto, 114, a Kyoto resident born in 1911, while Hikaru Kato, 112, of Kumamoto is the country’s oldest man.

The report also highlighted centenarians who continue to stay active in their communities.

Among them is Toichi Tamai, who turned 100 in June and lives in Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture. Tamai has been making handicrafts since around the age of 50 and gives them to fellow residents celebrating their 100th birthdays through the local government.

Tamai said enjoying his daily work and maintaining a kind outlook are among the things that have helped him live a long life.

Another is Kokichi Akuzawa, a 103-year-old resident of Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture who continues to enjoy mountain climbing.

Akuzawa entered the Guinness World Records after reaching the summit of Mount Fuji at age 102. His climb came months after he was hospitalized following a mountain fall and experienced heart failure.

Despite those health setbacks, he returned to climbing with encouragement from his family and mountaineering companions.

Japan’s growing centenarian population highlights the country’s exceptional longevity while also reflecting its continuing demographic shift toward an older society.