The number of centenarians in Japan exceeded 100 thousand for the first time

In Japan, the number of centenarians aged 100 years and older has reached a record level, exceeding 100 thousand for the first time. This was reported by NHK World-Japan.

According to Japan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, as of September 1, 2026, there were 107,677 people aged 100 years or older in the country - 7,914 more than a year earlier. The record number of centenarians in Japan has been updated for the 56th year in a row. Women make up about 88 percent of the total - 94,298 people, men - 13,379. The oldest resident of the country is 114-year-old Kishimoto Fue from Kyoto, the oldest man is 112-year-old Kato Hikaru from Kumamoto.

Among prefectures, the highest proportion of centenarians was recorded in Shimane - 186.65 per 100 thousand population. Shimane holds the top spot for the 14th year in a row. Next come Kochi (169.52) and Tottori (152.48). The lowest rates are in Saitama (51.27), Aichi (57.79) and Osaka (60.06). By comparison, in 1963, when the Elderly Welfare Law was passed, there were only 153 centenarians in Japan. The country surpassed the 10 thousand people mark in 1998, and the 50 thousand mark in 2012.