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10 clusters · 149 sources · 47 days · First seen about 2 months ago · Last updated 5 days ago

Japan demographic shift: aging population and shrinking size

Overview

Japan is experiencing a significant demographic shift characterized by increasing longevity and a shrinking total population. As of September 2026, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reported that the number of centenarians reached a record 107,677, marking 56 consecutive years of growth. This milestone, where women constitute approximately 88% of the group, was noted by Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno as a result of medical advancements and healthy lifestyles. Regional data shows centenarian numbers hitting records in Aomori, Nagasaki, and Shiga prefectures.

The broader elderly population has reached a record high of 36.24 million, accounting for 29.6% of the total population. Within this group, those aged 75 and over number 21.68 million. The elderly workforce is also expanding, with 9.43 million individuals aged 65 or older employed in 2025, making up 13.8% of the workforce.

Final results from the 2025 census confirm a continuing downward trend, with the total population falling to 122,972,528 as of October 1, 2025, a 2.5% decrease from 2020. While the national population fell, the foreign resident population has seen significant growth, reaching a record 4,281,026 by the end of June 2026 (approximately 3.4% to 3.5% of the total).

To address these challenges, the government has launched meetings to develop a comprehensive population strategy by the end of the year, treating the decline as a “national crisis.” Meanwhile, the Immigration Services Agency continues a dual-track strategy: expanding necessary labor while tightening residency management, including potential revisions to salary requirements for highly skilled professionals.

Entities

Japan · Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare · Kenichiro Ueno · Fuyo Kishimoto · Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 6 SOURCES] The proportion of the total population aged 65 and over reached 29.6 percent.
[● 3 SOURCES] The proportion of the population aged 65 and older rose to 29.4%.
[● 41 SOURCES] As of September 1, the number of people aged 100 or older in Japan reached 107,677.
[● 40 SOURCES] The number of centenarians in Japan has increased for 56 consecutive years.
[● 40 SOURCES] Women make up approximately 87.6% to 88% of the centenarian population.
[● 40 SOURCES] The number of centenarians increased by 7,914 people compared to the previous year.
[● 30 SOURCES] Fuyo Kishimoto of Kyoto is the oldest resident at 114 years old.
[● 30 SOURCES] Hikaru Kato of Kumamoto is the oldest male resident at 112 years old.
[● 29 SOURCES] In 1963, when data collection began, Japan had only 153 people aged 100 or older.
[● 6 SOURCES] The number of people aged 65 and over reached 36.24 million.
[● 5 SOURCES] The number of elderly workers reached 9.43 million, marking the 22nd consecutive year of increase.
[● 3 SOURCES] Approximately one in seven workers in Japan is aged 65 or older.

Timeline

5 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Japan government launches meetings to develop population strategy
Japan has launched a new government committee to develop a comprehensive population strategy by year-end to combat the nation's ongoing demographic decline.
15 days ago

[BUSINESS] 6 sources
Japan foreign resident population reaches record high
Japan's foreign resident population hit a record 4.28 million in June 2026. Meanwhile, authorities plan to raise salary requirements for highly skilled professional visas to reflect rising wages.
17 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 5 sources
Japan foreign resident population reaches record 4.28 million
Japan's foreign resident population hit a record 4.28 million in June 2026, driven by labor needs despite stricter visa requirements and increased capital thresholds for business managers.
29 days ago

[POLITICS] 4 sources
Japan faces demographic shifts amid ongoing population decline
Japan faces ongoing population decline, prompting local initiatives in Hirono Town to address impacts on economy, services, and community sustainability.
about 1 month ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 10 sources
Japan population falls 2.5% to 122.97 million in 2025 census
Japan's 2025 census shows a total population of 122.97 million, a 2.5% drop since 2020. While Japanese nationals decreased, foreign residents rose 39.8% to a record 3.84 million amid rapid aging.
about 1 month ago

[HEALTH] 4 sources
Shiga Prefecture reports 1,129 residents aged 100 or older
Shiga Prefecture reports 1,129 residents aged 100 or older, with the oldest being 111. Japan's national population of centenarians has now exceeded 100,000.
about 1 month ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 17 sources
Japan elderly population reaches record 29.6 percent of total
Japan's elderly population has reached a record 36.24 million, comprising 29.6% of the total population. Additionally, the number of centenarians has surpassed 100,000 for the first time.
about 2 months ago

[HEALTH] 13 sources
Japan reaches record 107,000 centenarians amid demographic crisis
Japan has recorded over 107,000 centenarians for the first time, marking 56 years of continuous growth while highlighting the nation's demographic challenges and shrinking workforce.
about 2 months ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 100 sources
Japan centenarian population exceeds 100,000 for the first time
Japan's centenarian population has exceeded 100,000 for the first time, reaching 107,677. Women make up roughly 88% of this group as the nation grapples with rapid aging and a shrinking workforce.
about 2 months ago

[HEALTH] 2 sources
Japan prefectures report record numbers of centenarians
Aomori and Nagasaki prefectures in Japan report record numbers of centenarians, reflecting a significant rise in the elderly population and increasing demands for healthcare and social support.

Sources

1098.am · 24sata.info · 324.cat · a1.ro · abc17news.com · adnKronos.com · alfalfalfa.com · amamishimbun.co.jp · anninhthudo.vn · arabnews.pk · asiancommunitynews.com · asiesnuestravida.com.ar · bahamasspectator.com · banjaluka.net · baoquangninh.vn · bbcmundo.com · bbv-net.de · blikk.hu · businessdaily.gr · cadenadelosandesfm.com.ar · cadenanueve.com · calibre800.com · centar.mk · cn.nytimes.com · cnbcindonesia.com · cnn.co.jp · cnnportugal.iol.pt · conexaomarilia.com.br · culturacolectiva.com · cybermexico.mx · dagensps.se · dattelner-morgenpost.de · depo.ba · deutschlandsuchtdensuperstar.de · diamond.jp · diariosanrafael.com.ar · dutatv.com · ekoturk.com · elsoldesantiago.com · epochtimes.com · espacefmguinee.info · europesays.com · extra.com.co · extranoticias.cl · fm791.net · fnn.jp · folgefonnsenteret.no · fortune.com

This summary has been updated 14 times: see revision history