# Japan centenarian population growth

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-centenarian-population-growth
> Updated: 2026-09-15T02:37:00.000Z. Sources: 94. Developments: 2.

Japan is experiencing a significant demographic trend toward increased longevity. On a national level, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reported that the total number of people aged 100 and older has surpassed 100,000 for the first time, reaching a record 107,677 as of September 2026. This marks the 56th consecutive year of growth for this demographic since records began in 1963, when the population numbered only 153 people.

Women constitute approximately 88% of the national centenarian population, totaling 94,298 individuals, while men account for 13,379. As of the latest data, the oldest resident in the country is 114-year-old Fuyo Kishimoto from Kyoto, and the oldest man is 112-year-old Hikaru Kato from Kumamoto. Life expectancy stands at approximately 87.3 years for women and 81.3 years for men, attributed to advanced medical technology, healthy diets, and active lifestyles.

This demographic shift occurs alongside record-low birth rates, highlighting an ongoing aging crisis. The growing elderly population presents significant fiscal and economic challenges, including a shrinking workforce and rising costs for social security, healthcare, and public pensions. Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno noted that while increased longevity is a positive sign of medical progress, “ensuring the sustainability of social welfare systems remains a critical challenge.” The government continues to manage the strain of supporting a population where roughly one in three residents receives a public pension.

## Claims

- As of September 1, the number of people aged 100 or older in Japan reached 107,677. (corroborated by 40 sources)
- The number of centenarians in Japan has increased for 56 consecutive years. (corroborated by 39 sources)
- Women make up approximately 87.6% to 88% of the centenarian population. (corroborated by 39 sources)
- The number of centenarians increased by 7,914 people compared to the previous year. (corroborated by 38 sources)
- Fuyo Kishimoto of Kyoto is the oldest resident at 114 years old. (corroborated by 29 sources)
- Hikaru Kato of Kumamoto is the oldest male resident at 112 years old. (corroborated by 29 sources)
- In 1963, when data collection began, Japan had only 153 people aged 100 or older. (corroborated by 29 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-15: 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 about 88% of this group, as the country grapples with an aging population and declining birth rates.

92 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-centenarian-population-exceeds-100000-for-the-first-time

### 2026-09-12: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-prefectures-report-record-numbers-of-centenarians

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Cite as: Japan centenarian population growth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-centenarian-population-growth