Land of Longevity: Japan Sets a New Record for the 55th Consecutive Year

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Japan has set a new demographic record—99,763 people aged 100 and over, BBC reports, citing the health ministry. The figure has been updated for the 55th year in a row, reflecting, on the one hand, the country’s distinctive lifestyle and, on the other, mounting economic challenges.

Women account for the vast majority—87,784, or 88%. There are 11,979 men. The oldest woman is Shigeko Kagawa from Yamatokoriyama in Nara Prefecture, aged 114. Among men, Kiyotaka Mizuno from coastal Iwata holds the record at 111. For the national Respect for the Aged Day on September 15, new centenarians received a congratulatory letter and a silver sake cup from the prime minister. This year, 52,310 people who recently crossed the 100-year mark received the award.

In 1963, Japan had just 153 people over 100. By 1981, the number surpassed 1,000, and by the late 1990s reached 10,000. Since then, the count has risen every year, and the current record is the 55th in a row. Researchers link the rise in centenarians to lifestyle factors. Japan records low mortality from cardiovascular disease and common cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. A low obesity rate also plays a role: the Japanese diet is rich in fish and vegetables, with limited consumption of red meat.

Government campaigns to shift dietary habits are another factor. While many countries increased their sugar and salt intake, Japan’s public programs convinced the population to cut back. In addition, older Japanese remain physically active longer: they walk more, use public transport, and take part in Rajio taiso (radio calisthenics), held since 1928 and still part of daily culture.

Some researchers question the accuracy of global longevity statistics. In 2010, an audit of Japan’s family registries uncovered more than 230,000 fictitious records of supposed centenarians who had actually died long before. The probe was sparked by the case of Sogen Kato, believed to be Tokyo’s oldest man at 111; his remains were found in the family home years after his death. Errors were attributed to imperfect record-keeping and suspicions that some relatives concealed deaths to continue receiving pensions.

The growth in centenarians is seen as proof of Japan’s healthcare achievements and quality of life. Yet the same demographic trend poses serious fiscal challenges. According to the OECD, spending on healthcare and long-term elder care is putting increasing pressure on the state budget, requiring a broader revenue base and a rethink of social benefits.

At the same time, the labor force is rapidly shrinking: by 2060 it will be down 31%, while the old-age dependency ratio will reach 74%—nearly three-quarters of the population will be at an age requiring support from working-age citizens. Companies feel the pinch as well. In a Reuters survey, nearly two-thirds of Japanese firms reported serious problems caused by population aging. Businesses face rising personnel costs and constraints on future growth.

Deloitte notes that labor shortages are pushing firms to accelerate labor-saving technologies to offset the gap. The elderly are also most vulnerable to rising prices: limited real incomes suppress consumption in households with a high share of older people.

Still, aging opens new avenues for growth. The World Economic Forum estimates that Japan’s “longevity economy” already exceeds ¥96 trillion (about $652 billion) and could grow to ¥115 trillion by 2040. Key drivers include healthcare, elder care, and leisure industries tailored to older adults.

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