Japan has reached a remarkable demographic milestone: for the first time, more than 100,000 people aged 100 or older live in the country.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of centenarians reached 107,677 as of September 1, 2026, an increase of 7,914 from the previous year. The figure has now risen for 56 consecutive years.
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Women represent the vast majority of this group, with 94,298 female centenarians, accounting for nearly 88% of the total. Japan is already known for having one of the world’s highest life expectancies, with experts pointing to factors such as diet, healthcare and lifestyle.
Why is this record also a challenge for Japan?
The country is simultaneously facing a declining birth rate and a shrinking workforce, increasing pressure on healthcare, pensions and elderly care.
The contrast highlights a major demographic transformation: Japanese people are living longer while fewer children are being born.
