In Japan, the number of centenarians has surpassed 100,000 for the first time

According to Japan’s health ministry, the number of residents in the country aged 100 and over has surpassed 100,000 for the first time and reached 107,677. This is the highest figure in the world.

Among Japanese centenarians, 88% are women; the oldest woman is 114-year-old Kisimoto Fuyo from Kyoto, and the oldest man is 112-year-old Kato Hikaru from Kumamoto.

Centenarian records began to be kept in 1963, when there were 153 people in the country aged 100 and over. By 1981, their number had grown to 1,000, and by 1998 — to 10,000.

Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno said he was pleased that so many people live long, healthy, and active lives, and linked this to progress in medicine and technology. He also warned of the need to maintain a sustainable social security system.

The new data were released ahead of the annual holiday “Respect for the Aged Day”, when the state congratulates people turning 100 with a personal letter and a traditional cup of sake.

For simple population replacement, each woman needs an average of 2.1 children, whereas last year Japan’s total fertility rate fell to a record low of 1.14. People aged 65 and over now make up about 30% of the population, and by 2070 their share could approach 40%.

According to the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, Japan’s population could shrink to 87 million by 2070.

Sources

• Source: bbc.co.uk