Japan reaches record 107,000 centenarians amid demographic crisis

Japan has reached a new longevity milestone, with the number of centenarians exceeding 100,000 for the first time. According to data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, there are now 107,677 people aged 100 or older, marking the 56th consecutive year of growth in this demographic.

Women make up approximately 88 percent of this group. The oldest resident in the country is Fuyo Kishimoto, aged 114, while the oldest man is Hikaru Kato, aged 112. Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno attributed the high life expectancy to medical technology advances, healthy diets, and active lifestyles.

Despite the celebration of longevity, the record highlights a significant demographic challenge. Japan is facing an accelerating aging crisis coupled with a record-low birth rate and a shrinking workforce. This imbalance places increasing pressure on the nation's pension, healthcare, and social security systems.