Skip to main content

The Land of Longevity: Japan’s Century Club Grows.

 By   Peninah Mbula| The Common Pulse/latest news/US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. 

Japan's Centenarian Population Reaches Record High: A Glimpse into Longevity

As of September 2025, Japan has set a new record with 99,763 centenarians, marking the 55th consecutive year of growth in its centenarian population This milestone underscores Japan's status as a global leader in longevity, with a significant proportion of its elderly population remaining active and engaged in society.

The Centenarian Demographics: A Closer Look

Women account for 88% of Japan's centenarians, highlighting the nation's exceptional life expectancy among females. The oldest living person in Japan, Shigeko Kagawa, is a 114-year-old retired physician who continues to inspire with her vitality and participation in public events .

Factors Contributing to Longevity

Japan's longevity can be attributed to several key factors:

  • Diet: A traditional Japanese diet rich in fish, vegetables, and low in red meat and salt contributes to lower rates of heart disease and cancer .

  • Physical Activity: Elderly citizens engage in regular physical activities such as walking, using public transportation, and participating in daily exercises like Radio Taiso, a three-minute workout broadcast on television.

  • Community Engagement: Strong community bonds and active lifestyles play a significant role in maintaining health and well-being among Japan's elderly population.

Celebrating Centenarians: A National Tradition

Japan honors its centenarians annually on Respect for the Aged Day, presenting them with silver sakazuki cups and personal letters from the Prime Minister. However, as the number of centenarians continues to rise, the government is exploring cost-effective alternatives to maintain this tradition .

Challenges Amidst Success

Despite the remarkable achievement in longevity, Japan faces demographic challenges, including a declining birthrate and an aging population. In 2024, the country recorded nearly 1 million more deaths than births, leading to a population decrease to 120 million . The government is implementing policies such as free childcare and expanded healthcare access to address these issues.


Japan's record number of centenarians reflects a combination of healthy lifestyles, strong community support, and effective public health policies. While celebrating this achievement, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing the challenges associated with an aging population.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Utah Man, 22, Charged in Killing of Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk

  By Kiranagacha Mwaniki - The Common Pulse - Orem, Utah ;  September 13, 2025 The bustling quad of Utah Valley University was supposed to be a stage for debate and free expression. Instead, it became the scene of political violence that has shocked the nation. Charlie Kirk, 31, a conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10 while addressing students at a “Prove Me Wrong” debate. Authorities say the shots came from a nearby rooftop, fired by a young man who had quietly prepared for weeks. On Friday, Utah County officials announced that Tyler James Robinson, 22 , had been taken into custody and charged in connection with Kirk’s killing. He is being held without bail at the Utah County Jail. From Apprentice to Accused Killer Robinson grew up in Washington County, Utah, in what neighbors describe as a quiet household. He worked as an electrical apprentice and once attended Utah State University for a semester in 2021. “He was always ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Former Miss Universe Contestant Tyra Spaulding of Jamaica Found Dead at 26

  By   Mutunga Tobbias | The Common Pulse/latest news/ Kenya/United States/Africa / September 2025    The global pageantry community has been shaken by tragic news coming out of Jamaica. Tyra Spaulding, a former Miss Universe contestant who proudly represented her country on the international stage, has been confirmed dead at the tender age of 26. Her untimely death has sent shockwaves not only through the Caribbean but across the wider world of fashion, beauty, and culture, where she was regarded as one of the rising stars. For a nation that holds its beauty queens close to the heart, the loss is both personal and symbolic. It raises questions about the pressures faced by women in pageantry, the expectations placed on young public figures, and the fragility of life itself. The Rise of Tyra Spaulding in the World of Beauty and Pageantry Tyra Spaulding’s journey into the world of glamour and pageantry began like many others, through small modeling gigs, local com...
Post a Comment
Read more

No Exit: Biya’s Return, Democracy’s Decline

By Kirangacha Mwaniki The Common Pulse | August 2025 At 92 years old, Cameroonian President Paul Biya has signaled his intention to run for yet another term in the 2025 presidential election. Having ruled since 1982, Biya is now the second-longest-serving head of state in the world;  after Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang. His decision has sparked outrage, resignation, and confusion among Cameroonians, many of whom have never known another leader. This re-election bid is more than just a political event;  it is a glaring symptom of a system that has resisted reform, ignored generational change, and weaponized fear to maintain the status quo. The Man Who Time Forgot Paul Biya came to power before most Cameroonians were born. He has led through the Cold War, the rise of mobile phones, the internet revolution, and the African Continental Free Trade Area — all while aging behind the walls of Etoudi Palace. He is rarely seen in public, often ruling from abroad;  mostly Swit...
Post a Comment
Read more