Japan’s Century of Longevity: A Nation Where 1 Lakh People Are 100+ Years Old

• By Thetripurapost Web Desk, Tokyo
• Sep 14, 2025
• 463

Every year on September 15, Japan pauses to honor its oldest citizens. Known as Elderly Day, it is a day of celebration, respect, and gratitude — a reflection of the nation’s deep-rooted culture of reverence for age. This year, the country has yet another milestone to celebrate: nearly one lakh Japanese people have crossed the 100-year mark.

A Record-Breaking Population of Centenarians

According to Japan’s Health Ministry, the nation now has 99,763 centenarians, including 87,784 women and 11,979 men. Women form a staggering 88% of this group, highlighting the well-known fact that Japanese women live significantly longer than men.

With a population of 12.4 crore, centenarians make up 0.81% of Japan’s people. For the 55th consecutive year, Japan has maintained its position as one of the longest-living nations in the world.

This year alone, 52,310 elderly citizens will receive congratulatory letters and silver sake cups from the Prime Minister, a tradition that underscores how deeply longevity is woven into Japan’s social fabric.

Faces of Longevity

Among these remarkable lives, two stand out: Shigeko Kagawa, 114, the country’s oldest woman, and Kiyotaka Mizuno, 111, the oldest man. Their lives embody the resilience and quiet discipline that define the Japanese ethos.

From 153 to 1 Lakh: A Remarkable Journey

The story of Japan’s longevity is also the story of its transformation. In 1963, when the government first conducted a survey, there were only 153 centenarians. By 1981, the number had reached 1,000. By 1998, it was 10,000.

So, how did a country devastated by war and poverty turn into a super-aged society?

The answers lie in a radical shift in lifestyle and public policy. From the 1960s onward, the government encouraged citizens to cut down on salt and sugar, promoted a diet rich in fish, rice, vegetables, and tea, and emphasized exercise. A three-minute morning exercise routine, introduced in 1923 on radio and later on TV, became a daily ritual across schools and workplaces. Over time, these simple habits became cultural norms.

The Science Behind Longevity

According to World Population Review 2024, Japan ranks fourth globally in average age and, in 2025, has been named the second healthiest country in the world. The ranking is based on indicators like life expectancy, obesity, diabetes prevalence, happiness, and healthcare spending.

The average life expectancy in Japan today is cited as 95.1 years — with women living longer than men. In contrast, until the early 1960s, Japan’s life expectancy was lower than other G7 nations.

Shadows of Doubt

But not all is flawless. In 2010, a government audit uncovered a shocking anomaly: 230,000 centenarians listed in official records were either missing or dead. Some families were found to have manipulated registers to continue receiving pensions. Since then, Japan has tightened its data verification, though questions still linger about the exact figures.

A Lesson for the World

Despite controversies, Japan’s achievement remains extraordinary. It demonstrates how diet, community, healthcare, and culture can shape the destiny of an entire population. At a time when much of the world grapples with obesity, chronic illness, and declining lifespans, Japan’s model offers inspiration.

On September 15, as thousands of elderly citizens across Japan receive silver cups and congratulatory notes, they stand as living proof that longevity is not merely about adding years to life, but about adding life to years.