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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.

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