Japan Nears 100,000 Centenarians, Most of Them Women

Photo: Reuters
Japan has reached another milestone in its aging population story. The country now has almost 100,000 people who are 100 years old or older. Government data shows that as of September 1, 2025, there are 99,763 centenarians, and nearly 88 percent of them are women.

This news highlights the growing challenge for Japan, which is struggling with a shrinking workforce and increasing healthcare needs. The country, home to the world’s fourth-largest economy, is seeing its elderly population grow each year while the number of young people continues to fall.

Women Leading the Way in Longevity

Out of the almost 100,000 centenarians, women make up the vast majority. Experts believe women tend to live longer than men due to lifestyle factors, genetics, and health habits.

The oldest living person in Japan today is Shigeko Kagawa, who is 114 years old. She lives in the Nara region near Kyoto. Kagawa had a long and busy career as both an obstetrician-gynecologist and a general doctor, working well into her later years. She often said that walking long distances to visit patients helped her stay strong. Even now, she remains active, enjoying television, newspapers, and calligraphy.

How Japan Compares with the World

While Japan has one of the highest numbers of centenarians, the world’s oldest living person is not Japanese. That title belongs to Ethel Caterham, a British woman who turned 116 years old in August 2025. She became the oldest after the death of a Brazilian nun, Inah Canabarro Lucas, earlier this year.

Japan, however, remains one of the countries with the greatest share of elderly people compared to its total population. This shows how much the nation is aging at a faster rate than most other countries.

A Growing Population Crisis

Behind the celebration of long life lies a serious concern for Japan. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has described the situation as a “quiet emergency.” The population is shrinking rapidly, which means fewer workers are available to support the rising number of elderly citizens.

Recent data showed that in 2024, the number of Japanese nationals dropped by more than 900,000 people, the largest decline ever recorded. At the same time, healthcare and welfare costs are rising quickly as more people live into their 80s, 90s, and 100s.

The government has tried several measures to stop the decline. These include encouraging families by offering free day care, promoting flexible work hours, and supporting parents who want more children. But so far, the results have been limited.

The Road Ahead for Japan

Experts say Japan must find ways to balance its aging society with economic growth. Without enough young people, industries could struggle, and the tax base to support social programs could shrink. At the same time, the country must care for its growing elderly population with dignity and respect.

Japan’s long life expectancy remains a symbol of health success. But it also shows the challenges of modern societies where people live longer but have fewer children.

For now, reaching nearly 100,000 centenarians is both a proud achievement and a clear reminder of the urgent changes Japan needs to secure its future.