Living better for longer: Japan has 100,000 aged over 100

Japan’s record-breaking population is living longer and better

Ahead of the country’s upcoming Elderly Day celebration, Japan has announced a new world-record for the highest number of people aged over 100 in its population. The country’s Ministry of Health revealed that the nation currently has an incredible 99,763 people aged 100 or over living in Japan, as of September this year, with almost 90% of those being women. 

Japan Sets New Record for People Aged over 100

For the 55th year in a row, Japan has set a new record for having the most residents aged 100 or over. The figures are a testament to the health and wellbeing of the Japanese people and the quality of living provided in Japan. 

For many years now, Japan has had the world's longest life expectancy and is well known for its healthy cuisine, use of natural hot springs for healing and recovery, respect for the elderly, and its investment in health and wellbeing trends, all combined with the modern amenities of a future society. As of today, the oldest person in Japan is 114-year-old Shigeko Kagawa, a woman from Yamatokoriyama in Nara, while her male counterpart is Kiyotaka Mizuno, aged 111, from Iwata.

Japan’s Health minister Takamaro Fukoka expressed his gratitude to the 87,784 female and 11,979 male centenarians and thanked them for their ‘many years of contributions to the development of society’. The latest figures show a significant rise since Japan first began surveying the age of population in 1963 when it had only 153 people aged over 100 - reflecting the incredible changes the country has seen in the second half of the 20th Century as it rebuilt after the Second World War. Today, Japan is widely considered on the most advanced and healthiest countries on the planet - and a dream destination for many international travelers.    

Why Japan’s Record Breaking News Matters For Travelers

Whether you’re young or old, travelling to Japan is an opportunity to restore your body and soul while experiencing one of the most beautiful, culturally interesting, and unique countries in the world. 

• Japan is the source of many global wellness trends from Zen mindfulness and forest bathing to meditation and martial arts. 

• The country is home to one of the healthiest and tastiest cuisines in the world.

• Soak in a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) to feel renewed and reenergised.

• A visit to Japan is a chance to rest and recharge while exploring serene temples, shrines, and gardens. 

• Japan’s modern amenities, low crime rates, and excellent public transport make it an excellent choice for older travellers.

• The country is famous for the care and respect it shows to older people.
  
  

What Comes Next

Could a visit to Japan add years to your life? Many travelers have Japan at the very top of their dream destinations list and for good reason. It’s often described as a ‘once in a lifetime’ trip, but it is also life-changing. If international travelers can take a page out of Japan’s book, we could find ourselves living longer, better, and happier too. 

• Where would you like to relax? A luxury hotel or a traditional ryokan? Find the right accommodation for you. Use JapanDen’s hotel listings to find nearby stays.

• Japan’s world-leading domestic transport is ideal for older travellers thanks to its safety, reliability, and efficiency. Secure a JR Pass for almost unlimited travel on the country’s trains. A JR Pass is ideal for flexible rail travel across multiple prefectures.

Stay connected on the go: Reserve yourPocket Wi-Fi before arrival to simplify trip logistics and stay online during rural or urban exploration.

FAQs about Japan’s elderly population

Q. Why are Japan’s elderly population living longer and better? 

A. The country has low rates of obesity, fewer deaths from heart disease and common forms of cancer, in particular breast and prostate cancer. This could be due to Japan’s healthier diet, compared to the rest of the world, as well as exercise. 

Q. Why are almost 90% of Japan’s over 100 population female?

A. Generally, Japan has a low obesity rate and it is particularly low for women, which could explain why they have a much higher life expectancy than Japanese men. 

Q. Why is Japan’s diet and cuisine so healthy?

Typically, Japanese food is low in salt and sugar and uses less red meat while being high in fish and vegetables. It’s also delicious! 

Q. Why is Japan a great place to visit for older people?

Japan is an incredible place to visit for people of all ages. For older travelers, its appeal may lie in the fact that it is extremely safe and clean, with excellent public transport options, and outstanding modern amenities.